r BX 1 

9225 



0° > 



.V 



V 2, 
V 



0° 



I s $p <-Q 



9? 



v v 



•V 



r0 v 



V 



2Sf 



A * t 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



THE 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN 

EXEMPLIFIED 



IN THE MEMOIRS OF 



ANTHONY JEFFERSON PEARSON, 

Who died August 31st, 1834, in Spartanburgb, Souffi Carolina. 



BY J. BOGGS, A. M. 



Hia grace, which was bestowed on me, was not in vain. —Paul. 



NEW YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY EZRA COLLIER, 

SUCCESSOR TO JOHN P. HAVEN, 
American Tract Society House, 148 Nassau street. 



1835. 



ENTERED ACCORDING TO THE ACT OP CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1835, 
BY 

EZRA COLLIER, 

IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED 
STATES, FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Why is this volume published? — To demon- 
strate that Religion can flourish in the South ; — 
to refute, practically, the ill-founded assertion, 
that our climate is not adapted to the growth of 
piety. Instead of arguments, we give you 
facts. Do you doubt whether godliness, — en- 
lightened and fervent, — deep and permanent, — 
can be found in the South ? Carefully inspect 
the character of A. J. Pearson ; and your doubts 
will vanish. 

Do you wish to know what means are most 
likely to promote the growth of grace in the 
South? Attentively view the course pursued 
by our Southern Christian. Follow him to his 
devotional retreats. See his Bible spread be- 
fore him, — his mind and his heart open to self- 
inspection, — his very soul absorbed in heavenly 

contemplation. Go with him, when he mingles 
1* 



Vi INTRODUCTION. 

with society, — travel with him, on his journies, 
— attend him to the Sabbath School, — visit, with 
him, the house of God. Hence will you learn, 
how it was that he held on his way, and grew 
stronger and stronger. 

To the question, Why is this little volume 
published? we may reply, in A. J. Pearson 
was found genuine godliness ; so intense and 
constant was his piety, that it soared far above 
the reach of suspicion. A pious curiosity led 
the writer of these pages to trace the stream to 
its fountain. In his progress, he found much to 
quicken his own zeal, confirm his resolution, 
and comfort his heart. That his Christian 
brethren may participate in these advantages 
and consolations, he now sends this little vo- 
lume to the Churches: trusting that, in some 
degree, it may make glad the city of our God, 
the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most 
High. 

This volume is sent, with the best wishes of 
the Editor, to the timid, doubting^ yet consci- 



INTRODUCTION. VU 

entious believer: hoping that it will lead him 
to the persevering use of those means, that 
raised our diffident and timorous Southern 
Christian above all painful doubts and fears ; 
and which brought him down to his grave in 
peace. 

To Christians of all denominations, this vo- 
lume is presented. The period is come when 
the world, in rebellion against God, is to be 
subdued. By Christians, it is to be subdued. 
By Christians, completely clad in gospel ar- 
mor. In this war, heroes alone will stand. 
When the sacramental host of God's elect is 
composed of heroes of magnanimous daring, 
when it is composed of such spirits as our 
Southern Christian, it will march around the 
globe, 4 conquering and to conquer.' The Lamb 
shall indeed overcome: "for he is Lord of 
lords and King of kings ; when they that are 
with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." 
Would Christians witness the triumph of Christ 
over all his foes, and share in the honor and 



Viii I N T R O DUCTION. 

joy of that triumph; let them be in their seve- 
ral places, as far as possible, what young Pear- 
son was in his. When professed Christians 
recline at their ease, or in the Lord's vineyard 
stand idle all the day long, in this age of bene- 
volent exertion; when they give neither their 
hearts, nor their hands, nor their influence, nor 
their treasures, to spread abroad the gospel and 
evangelize the world; who does not fear lest 
that tremendous imprecation may light on 
them: "Curse ye Meroz, (said the angel of the 
Lord,) curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; 
because they came not to the help of the Lord, 
to the help of the Lord against the mighty." 

To candidates for the gospel ministry, and to 
all who have lately entered the holy office, is 
this volume especially directed. In Pearson 
they will find a model, worthy of their imita- 
tion. None of his most discerning friends will 
think the assertion extravagant, that, with regard 
to elevated piety and pure morals, he was every 
thing that a minister of Christ should be. It 



INTRODUCTION. ix 

is true that the likeness, here drawn, is far be- 
neath the original ; but in this rough sketch, at 
least the outlines of his features may be dis- 
tinctly traced. Such as he was, such may you 
be. You profess the same religion, — your 
Bible is the same, — your Redeemer the same, — 
your motives to zeal and activity the same. 
Like him aspire after the highest degree of 
godliness, — like him maintain communion with 
God, from day to day, — like him consecrate 
yourselves and all you possess, as well as all 
you expect to possess, entirely to the service of 
your gracious God, — and like him always abound 
in the work of the Lord. Be like him ; and 
if your talents are splendid, they will shine with 
a heavenly lustre. Be like him ; and if you 
have the rare requisites of an orator, guided 
and impelled by the inimitable pathos of a 
devout heart, you will speak with golden 
tongues. Be like him ; and without the blaze 
of superior genius, you may "turn many to 
righteousness ; and hereafter shine as the bright- 



X INTRODUCTION. 

ness of the firmament and as the stars forever 
and ever." 

My last reason, and my first too, for the pub- 
lication of this volume is the GLORY of 
our REDEEMER. Our Southern Christian 
bore his image; — most distinctly exhibited his 
features. No one could spend an hour in his 
company without thinking of Him, who was 
"meek and lowly in heart." Neither in this 
district nor in this state, have we seen a more 
striking demonstration of the existence and 
power of Him, who is "mighty to save." We 
might, without the aid of fanaticism, apply to 
him the strong assertion of a distinguished 
divine of France: 44 Whenever I see a man 
remarkably spiritual and devout, I think I see 
my Saviour.' 1 His zeal, temperate, but resolute ; 
his compassion, spreading widely as the frailties, 
the wants, and the sorrows of man ; his tranquil 
meekness, which nothing could ruffle ; above 
all, the heavenly bias of his heart, which 
seemed to inscribe on his features, "Not of this 



DEDICATION. xi 

world"; — all brought to our recollection Him, 
who while on earth said of himself, "the Son of 
man who is in heaven." 

DEDICATION. 

This little work, is therefore dedicated to 
the Lord Jesus Christ. The Editor asks 
no patronage but his. The Editor dreads no 
frown but his. For more than fifty years, 
he has been a constant friend ; and most his 
friend, when needed most. The entire remnant 
of his years will, he trusts, be employed to per- 
suade others to admire and love his inestima- 
ble friend. This little volume goes forth in his 
name ; its sole object is to make him known. 
Blessed Jesus! pardon its errors, be indulgent 
to its imperfections. Let thy favor 1 encom- 
pass it, as a shield.' Let thy Spirit attend it, to 
the hearts of thousands ; let it live in the affec- 
tionate remembrance of thy redeemed, when 
the grave shall enclose thy unworthy servant, 

J. BOGGS. 



THE 

SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



CHAPTER I. 

Anthony Jefferson Pearson was born on 
the 6th day of February, 1810. 

At the time of his birth, his father and mo- 
ther were both members of the Church of Na- 
zareth, in Spartanburgh District, South Carolina. 
According to the custom of the church to which 
they belonged, their infant son was early bap- 
tized, and placed under the care of their cove- 
nant-keeping God. The solemn hour, in which 
they brought their little Jefferson to the altar of 
God, his parents, with strong emotions, remem- 
ber still. On that day, so fully did his mother's 
heart surrender her child to the God of her 
life: that she never, afterwards, regarded him 
as her own. From that moment to the close 
of his life, in her account he was the Lord's. 

His ancestors, as far as they can be traced 
back, were moral, patriotic, and respectable. 
His father, and mother, and sister, their only 
2 



14 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

surviving child, are still members of the church 
in which he was baptized. 

At a very early period, he began to show 
strong indications of that tender affection for 
his mother, that distinguishes a good child. 
Under the influence of the tenderness an affec- 
tionate mother feels for her first and only babe, 
she dreaded the moment, when it would be ne- 
cessary to tear her little son from her bosom. 
Already, in imagination, she had anticipated ail 
the pangs, attending the weaning of her beloved 
boy. But fortunately, they were in a great 
measure imaginary; for he submitted, almost 
without a struggle: and showed even then, in 
some degree, his high respect for parental au- 
thority. To the lady, who kindly aided his 
mother on that occasion, he, ever after, felt a 
strong attachment. 

Very early, his affectionate disposition inclin- 
ed him to associate with other children ; but as 
soon as they became rude, snatched away his 
toys, or showed any signs of ill-nature, he with- 
drew from them. One of his early associates 
recollects that, when a child, he was held up by 
parents, who knew him, as a pattern for their 
own children. It was no uncommon occurrence, 



SOUTHERN" CHRISTIAN. 



for a mother to say to her child, "You are a 
Haughty boy ; Jefferson would not do so." 

At a very early age, he manifested a strong 
dislike to profane language. When cursing or 
swearing reached his ear : with much serious- 
ness and earnestness, he used to say to his 
mother, " Mamma, such a man said a very 
naughty word ; but I must not tell what it was ; 
or, it was so bad that you would not hear me 
say it." 

In the sixth year of his age, a local disease, 
in the lower part of the forehead, well nigh 
proved fatal : and much deranged his health, 
for a considerable time. On account of this 
protracted illness, he did not commence his 
education, until he entered on his ninth year. 
Mr. Jonathan N. Hadden, at Poplar Spring, 
was his first preceptor. Under his direction, 
he became acquainted with the rudiments of 
our language. Until he was seven years old, 
Jefferson being an only child, as a matter of 
course, was much indulged ; and greatly endear- 
ed to his parents, by his tedious, painful, and 
alarming disease. Brought up under their own 
eye and seldom out of their sight, their hearts 
could scarce endure to think of the separation 



16 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



that must take place, when he was put to school. 
The morning at length arrived, when he must 
leave his father's house ; and for a time relin- 
quish the endearments of home. His little 
sister, now about a year old, began to occupy a 
tender place in his affectionate heart; his parents 
he loved with an unusual glow of filial attach- 
ment. But all these tender ties, which made 
home so sweet, could not confine him there. A 
thirst for knowledge had ( already awakened, in 
his youthful bosom, a delightful hope, which 
pointed to a home in Science, more enchant- 
ing than that which he was now about to leave. 

With his worthy preceptor by his side and 
his book under his arm, and no tear in his eye, 
young Pearson left his father's door. His. mo- 
ther's eye followed him, until the intervening 
branches of the forest, clad in the robe of 
spring, hid him from her sight. Aye, — and 
her heart followed him too. When her dear 
boy disappeared, she devoutly lifted a tearful 
eye to Heaven, and wafted a mother's prayer 
beyond the sky : " that the God of her fathers 
would bless her son ; and make him his own." 
He who gave the mother's tender heart, and 
whose tenderness far surpasses hers, 'hearkened 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN 



17 



and heard' ; and a book of remembrance was 
written before him; — "He shall be mine, saith 
the Lord, in the day when I make up my jew- 
els." 

Never was the mind of Jefferson so com- 
pletely engrossed before. His book was his 
meat and drink, — his father, his mother, his 
little sister, his home and all to him. Had his 
delighted instructer been surrounded by forty 
such boys, he would have longed for no better 
employment on earth. In less than two years, 
he was a better scholar than most boys at the 
age of ten. In spelling none in the school sur- 
passed him, in reading few were equal, — in the 
quickness and retentiveness of his memory, he 
excelled them all. While under the care of 
Mr. J. N. Hadden, in about twenty-two months, 
in connection with his other studies, he had read 
entirely through the Bible, and committed to 
memory the whole of the Westminster Shorter 
Catechism. Thus was the Bible, at an early 
age, with all its interesting truths and facts 
spread before his mind, from man's creation to 
his last account. 

Here began that intellectual, sentimental, and 
practical acquaintance with the Word of God, 
2* 



13 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



which, at a maturer age, gave him a high rank 
among those, in whom the word of Christ 
dwells richly, in all wisdom. 

His father — having purchased a farm in the 
neighborhood of the Poplar Spring — removed 
to it in the spring of 1820. The same year, 
in the eleventh of his age, Jefferson commenced 
the study of the Latin language, with Matthew 
P. Evins, Esq., who had recently taken charge 
of the Poplar Spring Academy. Under his 
instruction, he read through the Latin Classics 
in a little more than eighteen months. During 
this period, his application to study was close 
and unremitted ; each of his recitations was 
prepared with care and accuracy. Among his 
fellow-students his conduct was at once inoffen- 
sive and amiable. If the interests of any his 
companions seemed to clash with his, he never 
contended. In the disputes of others, he had 
no concern or agency, but to check or heal 
them. He partook in no rude or noisy plays; 
hence while others were engaged in trifling, he 
was often observed seated alone or indulging in 
a solitary ramble. While this steady, manly 
course commanded the respect of his fellow- 
students, it completely gained the confidence of 

/ 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



19 



his teacher. Such, it is recollected, was his 
love for truth, and so well established was his 
reputation for veracity, that his simple affirma- 
tion, when required, had in evidence, all the 
weight of an oath. So great was his reverence 
for truth, that he could not endure to hear it 
violated even in jest. 

The Latin school at Poplar Spring being 
discontinued, Jefferson spent the next year in 
aiding his father on his farm. In his new situ- 
ation, his diligence, fidelity, and cheerful acqui- 
escence in the will of his parents, served to 
bring him nearer to their hearts. But his fond- 
ness for reading, in the intervals of labor, plainly 
showed them whither turned the bias of his 
mind. The wants of his body were indeed 
well supplied; but his inquisitive mind panted 
for something higher. 

His former classical teacher having opened 
a school at Rocky Springs, in 1824 he resumed 
his studies. After having reviewed some of 
the Latin authors previously read: he entered 
on the studv of the Greek language : and in 
two years became a correct Greek scholar. 
Now for the first time he viewed the word of 
life in its original dress, Or, to change the 



20 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



figure, now he drank the water of life, as it 
flowed unmixed from its own pure fountain. 
Such, at that early period, was the prevailing 
bias of his mind, that he turned, with inexpress- 
ible avidity, from the sparkling wit of Horace, 
or the melting tenderness of Virgil, or the full 
flowing periods of Cicero, to the simple un- 
varnished story of Christ crucified. With a 
pleasure the classics never yielded him before, 
he read the narrative of the Evangelist John 
and that of Luke in his Acts of the Apostles. 
The time spent in pondering over these sacred 
authors, which he regarded as among his best 
days, gave him a more lively interest in gospel 
truth ; and laid the Bible nearer to his heart. 

In 1826, M. P. Evins, Esq. declined teaching 
at Rocky Spring, on account of ill-health ; and 
young Pearson's studies were again interrupted 
for several months. His preceptor, on recover- 
ing his health, opened a school at Poplar Spring, 
which Pearson attended for five months ; and 
during that period reviewed his classical studies. 
Now with a heavy heart, full of grateful recol- 
lections, he bade adieu to his worthy and 
amiable preceptor, whose smile he had shared 
for four whole years; and whose guiding hand 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



21 



had led him through the fields and groves and 
along the streams of classic story. On memo- 
ry's list of faithful, useful friends, among the 
highest, stood the name of Matthew F. Evins, 
Esq., engraved in characters which death could 
not efface. 

His studies are now to cease for two whole 
year3. The first of which (1827) he was em- 
ployed on his father's farm; the second (1828) 
he was engaged as a teacher at Poplar Spring. 
In his own neighborhood, where Kis father had 
lived more than seven years, and where he had 
been a pupil at least four years, he is appointed 
instructer in the Poplar Spring Academy, when 
he had just completed his seventeenth year. 
This fact shows distinctly in what estimation 
his own neighborhood held his talents, his 
attainments, and his steadiness. Instead of dis- 
appointing he exceeded their expectations : and 
the hazardous experiment of that year more 
fully developed his character, and raised him 
higher in public confidence. 

At the close of the year he resigned his sta- 
tion in the Poplar Spring Academy, in favor of 
Rev. J. L. Kennedy, with whom he prosecuted 
the study of the Greek language, and reviewed 



22 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



part of the Latin classics. With the same 
teacher he studied Algebra and Geometry. A 
habit of fixed attention already acquired, close 
application increasing with the necessity that 
demanded it, an untiring perseverance that no 
difficulty could thwart, soon made him familiar 
with those sciences. Besides, his native love 
of truth gave him an exquisite relish for mathe- 
matical demonstration. Here he found truth, 
arrayed in her own simple dress, shining in her 
own peculiar beauties. In the progress of his 
studies, besides stated exercises in declamation, 
he wrote essays on a variety of subjects, and 
acquired the habit of expressing his thoughts 
with perspicuity and ease. 

At an early period, Pearson became a mem- 
ber of a Bible class, under the care of his faith- 
ful and beloved pastor, the Rev. M. Dickson. 
Of all the classes with which he had been here- 
tofore united, this was to him the most delight- 
ful. The moving narratives, the sublime doc- 
trines, the divine precepts of the Bible, in their 
turns, occupied his attention : and were fixed 
in his memory, his mind, and his heart. This 
kind of intellectual, rather evangelical training, 
led him more carefully and profoundly to search 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



23 



for truth, and to admire and love it more when 
found. His lessons were studied with unusual 
care, and deeply impressed on a retentive mem- 
ory. Hence before he reached his twentieth 
year, he was familiar with every part of his 
Bible. 

When the Bible class was succeeded by a 
Sabbath school, he was first a pupil, aftenvards 
a teacher. In each situation, he manifested, in 
a high degree, the determined spirit of one who 
was resolved to become thoroughly acquainted 
with the whole of the word of God. He care- 
fully observed and cheerfully discharged every 
duty growing out of his relation to the Bible 
class and Sabbath school. When a pupil he 
was not dumb, while the song of praise w 7 as 
sung. One of his juvenile companions recol- 
lects, that hearing Jefferson's voice, awakened 
in him a desire and determination to sing. 
The sight of a boy smaller than himself, fear- 
lessly and zealously singing the praises of God, 
overcame his bashfulness: and thenceforward 
he followed his example. 

When a Teacher in the Sabbath school, be- 
sides suitable remarks and explanations, he 
occasionally delivered appropriate and impress- 
ive exhortations. 



CHAPTER II. 



Notwithstanding his early acquaintance 
with the Bible and his correct moral habits, he 
did not join in the communion of the church, 
until he had entered on his twenty-first year. 
To use his own language, the cause of this de- 
lay was: 44 1 do not recollect any one sermon, 
or any particular book, or any passage of Scrip- 
ture, that has had more effect upon me than 
another. But if I have been rightly awakened, 
it has been by these and other means combined. 
Neither can I point to any particular time or 
place, when or where, a sudden change was 
wrought. If I am indeed renewed, the change 
has been gradual." He adds, "And I must 
confess, when I joined the Church, the exer- 
cises of my mind were not such as I wished 
them to be. The principal motive which 
prompted me to that act, was that I felt it to be 
my duty." As he knew neither the time nor 
the place of his conversion, he all along doubted 
whether he had been actually regenerated. 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



25 



Hence he hesitated to join himself publicly to 
the disciples of Christ : until his touching com- 
mand, " Do this in remembrance of me," came 
down upon his conscience and heart with a 
power which he could no longer resist. 

When he attached himself to the church, no 
one doubted his piety but himself. So con- 
scientious had he been from his infancy, so 
careful to avoid evil, so fond of retirement, so 
partial to his Bible, so much pleased with the 
company of the pious, that several judicious 
friends, who knew him intimately, conjectured 
that he was sanctified from his birth. This 
however was not his own opinion ; for in search- 
ing for evidence of piety, about the time he be- 
came a member of the church, he says: "one 
thing I can observe, that my affections are set 
on different objects from those which once en- 
grossed my thoughts. In this opinion he was 
confirmed, by a farther knowledge of himself 
and the character of a Christian delineated in 
the word of God. The year, in which Mr. 
Pearson joined the church, there was a revival 
at Nazareth. He attended every interesting 
meeting within his reach. He was deeply con- 
cerned, because he did not feel as others felt. 



26 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



He longed to awake, amidst all the horrors of 
conviction. But to his daily regret, he remained 
in a great measure unmoved. He saw others 
alarmed first, and afterwards rejoicing in hope; 
and he devoutly wished to be of their number. 
He prayed for the terrors of conviction ; but 
they came not. He expected to undergo some 
remarkable change ; but he hoped in vain. The 
time of refreshing passed away; and left him, 
as he feared, among the unconverted. Then it 
was, that he was brought low; and, in the most 
profound humility, resolved to join himself to 
the Lord, in an everlasting covenant. This re- 
solution was, no doubt, strengthened by the pe- 
rusal of Dodridge's "Rise and Progress of Reli- 
gion," which he had just finished. 

I have been particular in recording these 
facts, not only because truth required them, but 
also because the experience of many others de- 
mands the encouragement they afford. 4 The 
tree is ever known best by its fruit' ; and piety 
is best proved by its daily influence over the 
heart and life. A consciencious regard to the 
Divine will in every thing, an habitual fear of 
offending, a deep sense of unworthiness, re- 
nouncing all merit in good deeds, a reliance on 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN". 



27 



Christ alone for salvation, an habitual and in- 
creasing panting after holiness: these are the 
only evidences of genuine godliness, on which 
any one ought to rely. If he know the time 
and place of his conversion, that knowledge will 
avail him nothing in his Christian course, with- 
out present evidence of piety. In the very 
nature of things, no Christian can rely securely 
on past experience, without present demonstra- 
tions of sincerity. It is beyond all doubt certain, 
that genuine piety will advance ; if it advance, 
it will become more apparent; when it does not 
appear in the heart and life, its very existence 
is doubtful: in such circumstances therefore it 
would be unreasonable and perilous to depend 
on past experience, 

Besides it is doubtful, whether there are any 
among professing Christians, who know pre- 
cisely the moment of their regeneration. They 
can, perhaps, date the moment when the hope 
of eternal life commenced ; but their regenera- 
tion might have taken place previously. Farther, 
at the time of regeneration, they are not so 
well acquainted with its nature and properties, 
as to be competent judges whether that change 
has passed on them. We may add. the change 



28 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

effected is imperfect and not so complete as 
was anticipated; and therefore not so visible to 
the person who has experienced it as he desires. 
When, therefore, the renewed man looks back 
to the season of his conversion, he often fails to 
find all that lucid and satisfactory evidence 
which he wishes ; hence he doubts about the 
time as well as the reality of his conversion. 
Moreover, the best and the most judicious 
Christians are the most apt to suspect the sin- 
cerity and reality of their past frames and exer- 
cises. For these and other reasons, there are 
doubtless found among the children of God, 
some who cannot point to the precise moment 
of their conversion. Among such, too, we often 
find the most humble, zealous, and exemplary 
Christians. Perhaps their compassionate Father, 
who knows their frame, has left them involved 
in uncertainty respecting the time of their con- 
version, that they may strive more constantly 
to make their calling and election sure. 

About the middle of March, 1830, Mr. Pear- 
son became a member of the church at Naza- 
reth ; before the close of the same month, he 
commenced writing a concise history of his past 
life: deeming it essentially necessary (to use 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN". 



29 



his own language) to keep a correct account of 
the principal transactions of his life, not only for 
his own satisfaction while living, but for that 
of posterity when dead. This sketch has fur- 
nished materials for the pages already passed 
over. At the same time he commenced a jour- 
nal, which will form the outline of the Narra- 
tive for the two next years. 

About this time, having heard an account of 
the College at Knoxville, Tennessee, which at- 
tracted his attention, with the consent of his 
parents, he was determined to repair thither 
immediately. This intention, however, was re- 
linquished for six months, in compliance with 
the earnest solicitation of Dr. Evins, and seve- 
ral of his neighbors, to open a school in their 
vicinity. In this School his natural gravity, 
mingled with mildness and patience, secured the 
respect of all his pupils ; and his unceasing con- 
cern for their intellectual, moral, and spiritual 
improvement, as readily gained their affectionate 
regard. The interest which the community 
took in the continuance of the school, is 
strongly evinced by an incident which occurred, 
that for a short time interrupted its progress. 

When the house, in which the school was 
3* 



30 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



kept, was consumed by fire, in a very few days 
a new one was erected. As there was a family 
living in the school-house, the school was 
opened at Mr. Lathrop's. In about two weeks 
after its commencement, the family occupying 
the school-house removed; the next day the 
teacher and his pupils took possession. The 
day following, which was Saturday, Mr. Pear- 
son repaired to his school-house to make some 
preparations for the better accommodation of 
his pupils, the next week; but the building was 
reduced to ashes, and several of the neighbors 
were already engaged in preparing and collect- 
ing materials for a new one. On Monday the 
house was raised; on Tuesday completed so 
far that the school began its operations on 
Wednesday. Such a conflagration, in ordinary 
circumstances, would have destroyed the school, 
as well as the house. But this unexpected fire 
served only to warm the hearts of his friends ; 
and give fresh lustre to the name of the modest 
preceptor. 

About this time, a deeper interest in the wel- 
fare of the Sabbath school at Nazareth was 
generally felt by the members of the church; 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN, 



31 



a well selected library was procured, and Pear- 
son was appointed librarian. This was an 
office which exactly suited his taste, It put in 
his hands a choice selection ef books, suited at 
once to enlarge the mind and improve the heart 
of a young man, sincerely devoted to the ser- 
vice of his Redeemer. In the midst of his ju- 
venile library, he had an opportunity at once 
of extending his researches after biblical truth, 
and seeing its power and glory manifested in 
the lives of others. During this period, he read 
the memoirs of Leigh Richmond with uncom- 
mon pleasure, This volume, I have no doubt, 
gave an expansion to his heart, which it had 
never felt before. The tract of the Dairyman'' s 
zhter had already found a warm place in 
his bosom, which served, like the morning star, 
to usher in the bright sun which followed it. 
Closing the interesting volume, and clasping it 
to his heart, he said, ,; I will be Leigh Rich- 
mond." And many a prayer did he send to 
heaven, that he might have such a heart as 
Leigh Richmond had. It is thus, that a Brain- 
erd produced a Martin, and a Richmond a Pear- 
son. •• One generation of the righteous passeth 
away, and another cometh. So true is the pro- 



22 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



mise recorded amidst the annals of mortality : 
The children of thy servants shall continue, and 
their seed shall be established before thee. Abel 
is not the only departed saint, who, being dead, 
yet speaketh. Leigh Richmond, on earth, is no 
more; but he yet speaketh. Jefferson Pear- 
son's voice is heard no more, but his spirit yet 
lives, and yet speaks in the circle of hi3 nume- 
rous friends, and in the congregations he once 
addressed. 

Near the close of the last quarter of his 
school, he attended a camp-meeting at Naza- 
reth ; and after the expiration of the term for 
which he had engaged to teach, he spent two 
days at another at Fairview. At these meet- 
ings he had pleasant fellowship with his Christ- 
ian brethren ; and felt an increasing desire ' to 
spend and be spent for the Lord Jesus Christ." 
They had also a happy influence on his mind, 
in relation to the separation which was about 
to take place between him and his father's 
family, on going to college. 

He had, indeed, boarded from home, first at 
his uncle White's, when he attended Mr. Had- 
den's school, at Poplar Spring: afterwards 
with Mrs. Evins of the same place. While at 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



33 



Rocky Spring, he boarded in the family of 
Sheriff Miller ; and also for some time at the 
house of Mrs. Moore, in the same neighbor- 
hood. But all this time, he was within the 
limits of the congregation in which he had 
lived from his infancy, and among his relatives 
and friends ; it was in his power, also, to be at 
home at the close of every week. 

But now he is about to leave his father's roof, 
to dwell for a time among strangers. His sister 
is now almost grown, and ardently attached to 
her only brother; his grandmother now lives 
in the family, and doats on her grandson; his 
father and mother love him, at the least, as 
much as parents ought to love a son : and Jef- 
ferson, from his heart, reciprocates all their 
sympathies. But he counsels not with flesh 
and blood. On Tuesday, the 19th of October, 
1830, amidst a conflict of contending emotions, 
he turned his face towards Tennessee, and on 
the 23d, safely reached Knoxville. The roads 
and weather were fine, and nothing interrupted 
his progress ; except an occasional pause to ad- 
mire the stupendous works of God, and thence 
devoutly adore their more stupendous Author. 



CHAPTER III. 



Mr. Pearson arrived at KnoxvilJe on Satur- 
day evening, about the close of twilight. On 
Sabbath morning he awaked amidst the new 
scenes and prospects of a town, in which he 
expected for months to dwell. Never before 
had he dwelt within the precincts of a village. 
In the country he had been used to the stillness 
of the Sabbath morn, the pensive ramble in the 
forest; in the town, the confused murmur of 
many voices, the sound of busy feet of men and 
horses, and rattling of carriages, all conspire^to 
discompose his spirits, and impair the solemnity 
of the Sabbath day. He looks abroad — much 
around him tells him there is no Sabbath there ; 
but a few edifices, decent but not magnificent, 
remind him that the God of the Sabbath is 
worshipped there. The sun, diffusing his mild 
rays over the village, has nearly reached his 
zenith, when the sound of church-going bells 
invites to the house of prayer. To the glad- 
dening sound, the heart of our youthful stranger 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



So 



turns: he throws himself amidst the crowd, and 
with the moving current, reaches the temple of 
God. Now he feels at home. Many an hum- 
ble, serious face, the proper index of a devout 
heart, taught him that the grace of God was not 
wanting there. Their features all were strange ; 
not so their hearts. They seemed to feel as he 
had felt. In them, therefore, he began to feel 
an interest, which was much increased by that 
which, at the close of the meeting, was shown 
by some for him. His youthful visage, over 
which hung the shades of reverential awe, his 
lixed attention which nothing could divert, his 
straight-forward look, which seemed to look at 
M something beyond the world/' awakened more 
than curiosity in the heart of many a stranger 
that day. As he slowly and gravely left the 
house of God, many an eye was turned on him, 
and often was the question repeated^ " What 
good young man is that ?' Soon he found 
friends in KnoxviHe, All pious hearts instinc- 
tively turned to him. 

In about a week after his eirrival, he entered 
the junior class in college, and pursued his 
studies with his usual perse verance and zeal, 
He soon gained the confidence both of the 



36 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN, 

faculty and his fellow students. The repeated 
reports of the former, show distinctly the esti- 
mation in which he was held by them. The 
fact, that within three months after he was 
united to the library society to which he be- 
longed, he was unanimously chosen president, 
proves how much he was loved and respected by 
the latter. 

But we tufn from the diligent, conscientious, 
and successful student, to view him as the hum- 
ble, devout, and exemplary Christian. Hereto- 
fore his piety was in a great measure locked up 
in his own breast. It appeared not before the 
world, otherwise than as it was seen in a uniform, 
conscientious, and unblemished morality. Taci- 
turn to a fault, he never spoke of his experience. 
Like the sensitive plant, he instinctively recoiled 
from the hand that would dare to uncover the 
secrets of his heart. This excessive reserve 
sprung partly from his natural temperament, 
and partly from his strong aversion to ostenta- 
tion. With the modest Cowper, he could have 
said truly: In my soul I loath all affectation. 

But the dim, flickering lamp that shone with- 
in, is destined to brighten and shed its rays all 
around. Soon after his arrival at Knoxville, he 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 37 



joined, in celebrating the Lord's Supper, with 
the First Presbyterian Church ; and on the next 
Lord's day he enjoyed the same privilege in the 
Second Presbyterian Church. Both these sea- 
sons were deeply affecting to him. They seemed 
to turn his mind upon itself. They urged the 
searching question, Am I born of the Spirit? 

Memory retraces the past, conscience inspects 
the present, fancy surveys the future. Imper- 
fections, negligence, forgetfulness, ingratitude, 
mingled with numberless sins, crowd together. 
His present faith is feeble, his love languid, his 
hope faltering. Doubts on the whole prevail. 
He feels that something more must be felt, 
something more done. While thus agitated, a 
letter arrives from a distant friend, prescribing 
the very course he ought to take. He receives 
it as a message from heaven, and follows forth- 
with the salutary directions it contains. He 
now commences the habit of retiring every 
evening for secret prayer ; which, according to 
his own confession, had been heretofore per- 
formed after lying down, — negligently of course 
performed ! Now his anxieties increase, he is 
beginning to be in good earnest. It is indeed 
winter ; the sun had nearly reached its solstice ; 

a ; 4 



38 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

but the temperature of the season has not chilled 
the anxious heart of young Pearson. In a few 
days he comes to the resolution to rise before 
the dawn of day, to pour out his heart to God, 
in prayer. A duty which, he adds, he had 
before discharged before rising. 

Now it was, for the first time, that he began to 
show strong symptoms of spiritual life. Out- 
wardly indeed he adorned the doctrine of God 
his Saviour, in all things ; but within, there was 
a sad want of spiritual vigor and warmth. Re- 
ligion may and ought to be cherished on the 
pillow. A pious man may truly say: I shall be 
satisfied as with marrow and fatness, when I 
remember thee on my bed. But if, in ordinary 
cases, it rest there and proceed no farther, I 
fear it will slumber always. No wonder he 
heretofore, in religious matters, kept silence, 
for the fire did not burn within. In prayer he 
obtained relief and comfort. His lips were 
now opened. Out of the abundance of a full 
heart he could now readily speak. 



CHAPTER IV. 



A new era now commences in the de- 
velopment of the character of Jefferson Pear- 
son. Such a revolution took place in his heart 
during the winter of 1830 and 1831, that on my 
first perusal of his journal, I dated his piety 
from that period. One of his letters however, 
in which he refers to the period of his conver- 
sion, induced me afterwards to conclude that it 
had most probably taken place before he went 
to Knoxville. Besides, within a few months 
before his death, he had a free conversation 
with a particular friend, respecting his past ex- 
perience, after which he was asked whether he 
supposed his conversion had occurred before or 
after joining in the communion of the :liurch? 
He replied without hesitation, 11 That if renew- 
ed at all, the change had taken place before that 
time. 71 He added, " That truly his views were 
greatly enlarged, that his feelings were much 
more intense, his comforts much increased, 
while in Knoxville; but he notwithstanding 
believed, that he had previously similar views, 



40 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

and feelings, and comforts, in a lower degree." 
In cases of this sort, with regard to him- 
self, the judgment of a judicious man (and such 
was Jefferson Pearson) may be more safely 
relied on than that of any other. 

He is thoroughly acquainted with his own 
views and feelings ; and the comparison between 
his exercises at different periods, is one which 
he alone can make. Hence we can safely con- 
fide in the opinion of an honest man, respect- 
ing his own experience and the probable season 
of his conversion. And hence we may con- 
clude, that J. Pearson's judgment concerning 
the time of his conversion, was correct. This 
view, besides, corresponds precise]y with the 
word of God, in which the commencement of 
piety in the heart is compared to a grain of 
mustard seed, to a little leaven fermenting in a 
large quantity of flour, and to the rising sun. 
" The path of the just is as the shining light 
that shineth more and more unto the perfect 
day." There is first the dawn, gradually 
brightening until the sun appears, then with 
steady pace he pursues his resplendent course, 
until in a full blaze of glory he reaches noon. 

After some sharp conflicts, some painful 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 41 

doubts, and distressing forebodings, young Pear- 
son at length, most unworthy as he felt himself 
to be, fell at the feet of Christ crucified. Here- 
tofore he had known himself but in part, and 
doubtless relied too much on his exemplary 
life ; now, acquainted with the evils of his 
heart, and feeling the burden of his sinfulness, 
he rested his hope entirely on the Lamb of 
God, that taketh away the sin of the world. 
The peace of God, that passeth all understand- 
ing, began now to take possession of his heart 
and his mind, in Christ Jesus. His hope was 
much strengthened by his intimate acquaintance 
with the doctrines of his Bible, and the habit 
which he about this time formed, of reviewing 
every evening all that he had thought, or pur- 
posed, or felt, or done, during the day. Being 
at once familiar with his own heart and the pe- 
culiarities of the character of a Christian, as 
found in the word of God, the Spirit of God 
began distinctly to witness with his spirit that 
he was a child of God. 

The doubt about the reality of his regenera- 
tion being now quelled, and believing that God 
had called him by his grace, he daily becomes 
more fervent in spirit. Thenceforward it might 
4* 



42 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

be truly said of him he was " a devout man. 11 
On one occasion we find him rejoicing that he 
occupies a room alone, that he may have full 
liberty to draw near to God, at the hour of retire- 
ment. When he has one or more fellow-students 
lodged with him in the same room, he retires 
morning and evening to the house of God, to 
vent the pious feelings of his heart in commu 
nion with heaven. Now truly the spirit of the 
gospel, and the spirit of Christ, inform and in- 
vigorate his whole soul. Now with regard to 
the events of the passing day or the occurrences 
of future life, he has but one question to ask : 
Lord what wilt thou have me to do ? 

He again resumes the employment of a Sab- 
bath school instructer ; and is among the 
foremost of those who are instant in season and 
out of season. Now he begins, in earnest, to 
desire to preach the gospel. Finding ft glad 
tidings of great joy to his own heart, he longs 
to impart its consolations to others. Regarding 
Christ as his best friend, he wishes all around 
to admire, adore, and love him. He had indeed 
before hoped at some future period, to be quali- 
fied to preach the gospel; but now his whole 
heart turns to the blessed work. As a good and 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



43 



dutiful son. he first consults his parents; and is 
gratified to find that their wishes accord with 
his own. Then, with proper respect for his 
first teacher, he communicates to him his feel- 
ings and views, asking at once for his prayers 
and advice. This letter containing this informa- 
tion leads us so directly into the heart of the 
writer, that we think best, by giving a full copy 
of it, to allow him to speak for himself. It is 
dated 

11 Knoxville, Tenn. Jan. 1st, 1 S3 1 . 
u Dear Friend. — 

" I will now endeavor to comply with the re- 
quest which you made before I left home, that 
I should write to you, stating my views with 
respect to becoming a minister. 

In the first place, I must acknowledge a dif- 
fidence, which I have too often manifested, to 
converse on religious subjects. But at this 
time, I would fain cast it away, and try to lay 
open before you the secret operations of the 
heart: which I can venture to do with less back- 
wardness by letter, than by personal conversa- 
tion. But, I fear, it will be difficult to present 
to you a true account of the various doubts, fears, 



44 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



hopes, and feelings, which agitate my mind. The 
subject of becoming a minister has occupied a 
chief place in my thoughts, since I became a 
member of the church, and in some degree be- 
fore, without ever coming to a final decision. 
This indecision has rendered me uneasy ; and 
does so still. On the one hand, the importance 
and responsibility of the office deters from, 
while on the other, a sense of duty urges me to, 
the undertaking. Fears arise, when consider- 
ing such texts of Scripture as say, that the blood 
of the wicked who die in their iniquity unwarn- 
ed by the priest, shall be required at his hands. 
Again there is encouragement in the promise 
that he who ' turns many to righteousness, shall 
shine as the brightness of the firmament, and as 
the stars, for ever and ever.' 

" Sometimes I fear that I have not the true 
religion of Jesus, and should I become a minis- 
ter, I would disgrace the office, act the hypo- 
crite, and be as a goat among sheep. At other 
times I feel cold and indifferent on the subject, 
which serves to strengthen the above convic- 
tion. But when I consider the command : 4 Go 
into all the world, and preach the gospel to 
every creature — and recollect, that to whom 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 45 

much is given of him shall much be required, 
(though I would not boast,) I am constrained to 
say, Here am I, Lord ! do with me whatsoever 
seemeth good in thy sight. Yet when I am 
resolved to devote myself entirely to the cause 
of Christ, then doubts arise whether I am doing 
it from pure motives, from a genuine love of 
souls and the glory of God ; or for my own 
convenience, aggrandizement, and other selfish 
motives. 

" If I were completely decided, and could 
believe that I was chosen of the Lord to the 
work of the ministry, I would be contented. 
Conscience would be at ease. I would have an 
object in view in pursuing literature, which 
would render my studies delightful. Never- 
theless, I would expect to meet with persecu- 
tion from the world ; which, however, is of 
small weight in comparison with the consola- 
tion, that the Lord has pronounced a blessing 
on those who are reviled and persecuted for his 
sake." 

Then follows the extract already made from 
this letter (page 24), in which he speaks of his 
uncertainty about the precise time of his con- 
version. 



46 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

While thus deeply engaged in spiritual af- 
fairs, he was incidentally betrayed into a fault, 
which gave him much pain. When he was 
about to purchase a pair of shoes, which were 
offered to him for two dollars, without sufficient 
reflection, he replied he could obtain as good a 
pair for . one dollar seventy-five cents. The 
merchant, without hesitation, permitted him to 
take them at that reduced price. On retiring 
to his room and carefully examining the shoes, 
he was convinced that they were worth more 
than he had given for them ; and was extremely 
mortified, that the whole transaction had the 
appearance of falsehood and covetousness. 
Immediately he confessed his sin before Him 
whose eye is on the heart, at the same time im- 
ploring his aid, to give him courage to acknow- 
ledge it to the man whom he had injured. He 
rose from his knees, repaired to the store, can- 
didly confessed his fault, and made ample 
restitution. 

This indeed was a small incident; but it fully 
lays open a heart in which there was no guile 
In the estimation of many, the offence was so 
small, that it would seem to indicate a sickly 
delicacy of moral feeling, to notice it at all. 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



47 



But let it be remembered that the smallest grain 
of sand can form the biff tear in the most viffo- 
rous eye. The vaporing hero would promptly 
say, it was a degrading act. But magnanimity 
herself may defy him to do any thing greater, 
with his club, his pistols, and his dirk. 

That is great that is registered in heaven, — 
in the annals of the brave ; that act is great, 
however it appear on earth, that shall be had 
in everlasting remembrance. A Washington ac- 
knowledging his error to an antagonist, who had 
retorted it on him with his uplifted cane, is a 
figure that will far transcend in comparison the 
diminutive Burr scowling with a vengeful eye 
on the ruins of the fallen Hamilton. Among 
little dastardly souls, that have not courage 
enough to confess a fault, our Pearson rises, as 
the lofty oak over the meager shrubs, that 
dwindle in its shadow. 

This bitter incident proved haply beneficial 
afterwards. It led our soldier of the Cross into 
the most secret folds of his heart, in pursuit of 
evils which might lie there concealed. In this 
narrow search, he made discoveries which filled 
him with horror. From the monstrous forms 
of iniquity which now appeared, he shrunk back 



48 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



aghast ! Of that sad day he thus pathetically 
speaks: "During the day my thoughts were 
turned on sin, from which my mind recoiled, 
feeling that if I had a proper sight of sin, it 
would takeaway life. Such feelings, however, 
had I on this occasion, that my strength failed 
and I was ready to faint." Among the evils 
which that day brought to light, was spiritual 
pride ; which had been probably his besetting 
sin. Such was the purity of his morals, that 
it was natural enough to make nattering com- 
parisons between himself and others. The 
above mentioned occurrence had a happy ten- 
dency to level all such towering conceits. 
Three days after, he says with a sigh, "I con- 
tinued to feel the burden of spiritual pride ; 
which consists in thinking myself better than 
others ; and the want of humility, which con- 
sists in thinking favorably of others and lowly 
of oue's-self." Now he feels in every nerve 
and fibre the worth of a Saviour. Hence he 
winds up the paragraph quoted, by the most 
natural inference: "I had also a desire to trust 
all to Christ, and nothing to myself." 

Then might Pearson have said truly: when 
I am weak, then am I strong. Weak indeed in 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



49 



native power, but strong in the grace which is 
in Christ Jesus. 

About this time another instance of moral 
courage occurred, which ought not to pass in 
silence. While reclining on his bed at night, 
he discovered that, in an adjacent room, some 
of his fellow-students were engaged in playing 
cards. So deeply impressed on his heart was 
the command, 'Thou shalt in anywise rebuke 
thy neighbor and not suffer sin upon him,' that 
he could not close his eyes in sleep until, having 
sought aid from Heaven, he had repaired to 
their room and fearlessly reproved them. This 
was not an ebullition of enthusiasm ; it was a 
deliberate act. It was not the reckless hardi- 
hood of insensibility ; it was the delicate con- 
sciousness of one, who would not needlessly 
set foot upon a worm. In the mild, patient, 
unoffending Pearson, it was the heroic deed of 
a Christian. 

5 



CHAPTER V. 



Thus passed the winter session of 1830 and 
'31. Of our young Christian it may be well 
said: he was "not slothful in business, fervent 
in spirit, serving the Lord." In literature his 
progress was steady and reputable. In self- 
knowledge, in the science of salvation, his pro- 
ficiency was still more apparent. Among the 
seasons of his life, that winter holds a distin- 
guished place. It brought to light a character 
which had heretofore sought the shade of ob- 
scurity, and dwelt there. It may be regarded 
not as the winter, but as the spring of his spi- 
ritual existence. Now bloomed the flowers, 
which were an earnest of future fruits. 

Having received a letter from his father, ex- 
pressing a wish that he would spend the spring 
vacation at home, at the close of the session 
he was in readiness to depart for South Caro- 
lina. On the morning of the first day of the 
vacation, which was Thursday, he left Knox- 
ville, and on the Tuesday following arrived at 
his father's house. This was prompt indeed ! 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 51 

At every step he felt the attractions of home ! 
But did he, in his haste, violate the Sabbath? 
No ! When the Sabbath came, it found him at 
rest. Both his conscience and his heart revered 
the will of the Supreme; and he did "remem- 
ber the Sabbath day to keep it holy." And in 
its successive returns, he remembered it always. 
His were Sabbaths indeed ! 

On this journey, our traveller met with but 
one occurrence worthy of being recounted here. 
On the second day, he overtook a stranger on 
the way,— a young man like himself. A few 
interchanging looks, as they moved along toge- 
ther, raised the hope, that they were verily 
travelling the same road, and had a higher 
destination in view than any one on earth. 
There is a sympathy in souls. Theirs met, 
almost before they were aware. They had a 
common friend; that friend was Jesus, and 
through him their spirits met. They understood 
the language of Canaan, they spoke it; and 
their hearts burned within them by the way. 
They parted; but they remembered the feel- 
ings of that hour: for they had made a deep 
impression on their hearts. They parted ; but 
it was in the hope of a better meeting. Pear- 



52 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

son is on his way home. The thought of home 
quickens his pace. He is ready to sing as he 
hies along: 

"Home ! sweet home! 
There's no place like home !" 

His father, his grandmother, his mother, and his 
sister are, in fancy, all before him. Oh, the 
extatic hope! he will soon embrace them all! 
But amidst these anticipated raptures, one drea- 
ry thought, like a dark cloud, spreads over his 
mind, and all is gloom. Ah! he sighs, ah! be- 
loved home ; but there is no family altar there! 
His heart aches, while he dwells in sadness on 
the tremendous imprecation of an inspired pro- 
phet: "Pour out thy fury on the heathen, and 
the families that call not on thy name!" It is 
like the thunder of Sinai to his melting heart. 
With an eye raised to Heaven, imploring aid, 
he resolves, that this blasting imprecation shall, 
if possible, be averted from his beloved home. 
But what can he do ? He respects his father 
profoundly. He is a youth without experience, 
— and diffidence itself. But something must be 
done. It is He demands it, "who giveth power 
to the faint; and to them who have no might, 
increaseth strength." His purpose is fixed; 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 53 

but he looks upwards for support. He arrives 
at home; all is gladness around. Tears flow 
apace: but not such as sorrow wrings from the 
heart. The sun is near the western horizon, 
about to leave the earth in the shades of night ; 
and his departing rays remind Jefferson of the 
family altar. He had said within himself, it 
roust be erected this night. But how ?- Who 
will do it? Or who will make the proposal 
to do it ? On this all-absorbing subject, he had 
not thought alone. His mother's anxieties cor- 
responded with his own. The proposal comes 
from her. The family assemble. The Bible 
appears, the song of praise is sung, and Jeffer- 
son prays. Before, he had prayed in the silent 
chamber, in the solitary church, and in the 
shady forest; but he now prays in the midst of 
those he loves, and verily pours out his full 
heart to God. That prayer is remembered 
still, and remembered too with tears. It 
was an answer to prayers, which none but God 
had heard. And a charming earnest of a 
bountiful supply of "a spirit of grace and of 
supplication." Here was a little group min- 
gling hearts together, which Heaven saw with 
pleasure. 

5* 



54 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

Having had, through the grace of God, reso- 
lution enough to pray in the family circle, he 
now entreats his father to assume the office of 
priest in his own house, and offer himself the 
morning and evening sacrifice. His arguments 
are powerful and convincing; they go through 
the mind, they reach the heart. And arguments 
of such a son, on such a subject, must have 
reached the heart. There were great difficul- 
ties in the way. His father lived on a public 
road, and frequently had company. But his 
son modestly maintained that those difficulties 
could be surmounted, and strongly hoped that, 
by the grace of God, they would be. To him 
it appeared to be inconsistent to make a profes- 
sion of religion, without a vigorous and perse- 
vering resolution to confess Christ before men 
(when duty required it) on all occasions, and at 
all times. 

Having entered into the spirit of the tempe- 
rance reform, he was very solicitous that his 
father should become a member of a tempe- 
rance society lately established at Nazareth ; 
and thus agree to banish all intoxicating liquors 
from his house. In relation to this subject he 
thought much, prayed often, and held several 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



55 



conversations with his father. So prudent, so 
respectful, so persevering were his efforts, that 
they finally prevailed. Through his instrumen- 
tality, his father, at length, became a firm and 
zealous advocate of temperance. After an ex- 
periment of more than four years, he still re- 
joices in looking back to the revolution wrought 
in his views at that period by the salutary influ- 
ence of his son. 

The following address, delivered first in a 
debating society at Knoxville, of which he was 
a member, will show clearly the reasons why 
he was so zealous a patron of temperance and 
temperance associations. The question discuss- 
ed was, "Are temperance societies calculated 
to answer the purpose for which they were in- 
tended ?" 

" The purpose of temperance societies is evi- 
dently to promote temperance and counteract 
the evils of intemperance, and thereby promote 
the happiness of man. To show that they are 
calculated to answer these purposes, let us draw 
a parallel between the evils of intemperance 
and the advantages of temperance ; by doing 
which we will be prepared to judge whether or 
not temperance societies, on the principle of 



56 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



entire abstinence, are calculated to root out the 
evils of intemperance and advance the happiness 
of man. 

"Intemperance destroys health and comeli- 
ness, property and reputation, friendship and do- 
mestic tranquillity. All these are preserved by 
temperance. The one destroys the mind; the 
other improves it. The one converts a man 
into a beast; the other makes him more a man. 
The one shortens life; the other prolongs it. 
Such a contrast might be lengthened out to 
almost any extent. But this is sufficient to 
prove that temperance associations are calcu- 
lated to promote the welfare of men, if they can 
check or repress intemperance. 

"But perhaps it will be said that a temperance 
reform may be brought about by individual ab- 
stinence, without any associations. To this I 
would reply, that individuals, while standing 
alone, exert comparatively but little influence. 
But let them be united in a society, and their 
influence will then be felt individually, collec- 
tively, and effectually, in the community to 
which they belong. If an enemy should invade 
our country, would it be a wise policy to suffer 
every individual to march by himself, meet the 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



5T 



enemy where he pleased, and fight him in his 
own way? By this means the enemy would 
have to contend with a disorganized few, and 
might march through our country, conquering 
and wasting wherever he might turn. But dif- 
ferent would the case be should we enlist our- 
selves into companies, unite our strength, and 
meet the foe on the borders of our land. He 
would then feel our power, and be driven back 
in confusion and dismay. Apply the simile. 
Intemperance, our common enemy, is now 
stalking abroad through our territories, slaying 
our citizens, confiscating their property, making 
widows and orphans, and leading captive at his 
will all ages and ranks. And shall we give our 
silent consent to such outrages? But how shall 
we stop the career of the destructive foe? How, 
but by uniting the soldiers of temperance, and 
counteracting his movements at every step? 
This is the only sure method to expel him from 
the land. 

" The very opposition raised against tempe- 
rance societies is a full proof that they are cal- 
culated to answer the purposes for which they 
were instituted. Why do men oppose tempe- 
rance societies? The reason is obvious; they 



58 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



fear they will accomplish their design. If 
there was no room for this fear, there would 
be no opposition. If those who distil and sell 
ardent spirits, and get gain thereby, did not fear 
that their craft was likely to be brought to 
naught by temperance societies, they would not 
lift against them their voice. If those who 
have been so habituated to intemperance that 
they are unwilling to abandon the habit, did 
not fear that temperance societies were about 
to bring their practice into disrepute, they would 
not endeavor to check their progress. Why 
oppose them at all, if they regard them as en- 
tirely impotent and harmless % Therefore, op- 
position to temperance societies only proves 
more strongly their adaptation to compass the 
end for which they are established. That plan 
of reform that meets with no opposition from 
the vicious and profligate, is likely to originate 
in an impure source, and will have little effi- 
ciency. But that which arrays against itself 
the whole strength of the misguided world, is 
most apt to emanate from pure principles, and 
will be in no danger of being overturned. This 
problem is solved in the existence of Christian- 
ity ; no religion has ever met with such power- 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



59 



ful and persevering opposition ; yet it prevails, 
and will prevail until it regenerates the world. 

41 Let us next consider the aid which tempe- 
rance societies do and will receive. 

u 1st. They receive and will receive the aid of 
all true patriots. When he who loves his 
country looks abroad over his native land, and 
sees the desolating effects of intemperance in 
every direction ; when he views hospitals and 
poor-houses filled with drunkards ; when, by 
computation, he ascertains the expense of ar- 
dent spirit used in the United States, the time 
lost in drinking, and losses and expenses other- 
wise incurred, would pay the national debt, sup- 
port besides the government of the United 
States, and that of every other State in the 
Union; on the mere principle of economy, will 
he not endeavor to root out this mighty evil? 
Certainly he will, and more especially when he 
perceives that the expulsion of ardent spirits, 
besides freeing his countrymen from many 
enormous evils, will render them more con- 
tented, more wealthy, and more reputable 
Therefore, temperance combinations will re- 
ceive the aid of all genuine patriots: and if they 
have their influence, they must prevail ; for 
our patriots are many, and they are mighty. 



60 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



" 2d. They will obtain the aid of the tempe- 
rate. When the temperate man contemplates 
the drunkards who surround him, and recollects 
that they were once as sober as himself, and 
once thought as he does now, that they would 
never become sots, but, by habitual moderate 
drinking, were at length drawn into the vortex 
of dissipation ; when he seriously reflects that 
he occupies the same grade in which they stood 
but a few years since, and that if he persist he 
will be inevitably conducted to the same end, 
and, in all probability, his posterity after him; 
will he not turn while there is hope, and resolve 
to banish spirits from his house? Certainly he 
will. Therefore, these societies will be sus- 
tained by the temperate. If so, they must flou- 
rish ; for by the temperate, drunkards are often 
supported, on them they frequently sponge, and 
from their number their ranks, thinned by 
death, must be supplied ; for they do not com- 
monly live out half their days. Therefore, if 
the temperate and the moderate drinkers adopt 
the plan of entire abstinence, the whole race of 
tipplers will soon be extinct. 

" 3. Temperance associations do and will re- 
ceive the aid of all respectable females. Ladies 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



61 



(for none others deserve the name) always have 
been temperate, and always will be. Intempe- 
rance they instinctively abhor, "'tis object of 
their implacable disgust.' ' All the unkindness 
and cruelty of every other sort which they have 
suffered from our sex, will not equal the amount 
of abuse and suffering which has been wantonly 
heaped upon them by drunken fathers, drunken 
brothers, drunken sons — but worst of all, and 
V nature's foulest blot" — by drunken husbands! 
On this account they do, they will, they must 
lend their aid to the temperance cause. It 
would be idle presumption to conjecture other- 
wise. Whoever has carefully observed the in- 
fluence of lovely woman, must confess that the 
society which has her warm patronage must 
live, must flourish. 

"4. The temperance reform does and will re- 
ceive the assistance of Christians. He who 
wishes to see the church flourish, and at the 
same time sees that nothing removes men far- 
ther from religion than drunkenness, must give 
his influence to temperance societies ; and es- 
pecially when, in the Bible, his law-book, he 
sees drunkenness enumerated in every black 
catalogue of crimes, and condemned almost on 

N 6 



G2 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

every page. And will a million or more Chris- 
tians in the United States add no weight to the 
cause of temperance ? 

" 5th. Temperance societies receive the aid of 
Heaven. It is evident that Heaven approves or 
disapproves of temperance associations. Hea- 
ven approves of temperance; therefore, cannot 
disapprove of the most effectual means of pro- 
moting it. If God does not approve of the 
temperance league, then he approves of the 
conspiracy against it. Would, then, any one 
assume the responsibility of saying that the 
Lord of hosts is on the side of those who deride 
and decry the temperance cause? To this mo- 
mentous affair, be assured, the Lord God Al- 
mighty is not indifferent ; he has stretched out 
his arm, and he will protect the societies formed 
for the express purpose of subduing contempt 
of his authority, and giving efficacy to his own 
laws; and what he defends must prosper. 

" Let us now take a hasty survey of what tem- 
perance societies have already done. This is 
another method by which we may determine 
whether or not they are able to accomplish their 
design. They have already drawn into their 
circle the honorable men and leading characters 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



63 



of our nation. Statesmen have declared intem- 
perance to be destructive to the best interests 
of the state. Physicians have pronounced it to 
be injurious to health, and have recommended 
temperance societies as the best remedy for the 
alarming evil. Against it ministers have lifted 
up their voice, and opposed to it all their sanc- 
tity. Against it distinguished lawyers have 
plead, and against it venerable judges have 
passed sentence. Eloquent editors have writ- 
ten against it; and the press, which is a pow- 
erful engine in governing the minds of the 
people, is generally employed in the cause 
of temperance. Merchants have tapped their 
hogsheads, and committed their contents to the 
bowels of the earth. Distillers have uncapped 
their stills. In whole villages in the United 
States not a gallon is to be found. Less spirits 
by one third are now consumed in the United 
States than were before the formation of these 
societies. They have been established in eve- 
ry State in the Union. They have reached the 
West India Islands. They have penetrated to 
the fur traders of the north-west. Their light 
has beamed on Europe; in Great Britain, Ire- 
land alone numbers more than one hundred 



64 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

societies. They are also extending their influ- 
ence over England and Scotland. The United 
States has enrolled more than a thousand, and 
more than a hundred thousand members. How 
long have temperance societies been engaged 
in accomplishing this mighty work? A hun- 
dred years ? No ! not fifty, not even ten. The 
whole has been done in the short space of four 
or five years ! If temperance societies have 
effected so much in their infancy, what will they 
not do when they have reached their maturity ?" 



CHAPTER VI. 



While spending his vacation in South Caro- 
lina, one day, when engaged in reading, medita- 
tion, and prayer, in a lonely retreat in the 
woods, one of his father's colored boys came to 
him. After conversing with him, and praying 
for him, he dismissed him, feeling a very strong 
desire that he might be converted, and be pre- 
pared to go as a missionary to Africa. Thence- 
forward for sable Africa, and all her sable de- 
scendents, he felt a bleeding concern. Every 
colored man he met had a share in his sympa- 
thies. Every where was he regarded as the 
warm friend of Africans. 

His spring vacation having nearly elapsed, 
after devoutly looking up to heaven for pro- 
tection on his journey, he turned his face to- 
wards Knoxville. To beguile the tediousness 
of the way, as well as to exert a salutary influ- 
ence wherever he was, we find him at one time 
distributing tracts, with appropriate remarks ; 
at another time engaged in pious conversation 
6* 



66 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



with an elderly lady, at whose house he spent 
an evening. On another occasion privately he 
rebukes the driver of the stage in which he 
travelled, for profane swearing ; and having 
shown him the third commandment, strongly 
urges him to blaspheme no more. Having 
arrived at Knoxville, he continued to prosecute 
the studies of the junior class, with the addition 
of the Hebrew language. About this time, his 
heart began to pant for the pleasures and perils 
of a mission in a foreign land. For the salva- 
tion of pagans, he felt a strong solicitude. To 
their sorrowful condition, his heart turned 
whenever he bowed before the mercy*seat. 
His thoughts, by night and by day, were spread 
over the wild forests of America, as the moral 
deserts of Asia, Africa, and the isles. He knew 
that he had a father, a mother, a grandmother, 
and a sister at home, whose powerful sympa- 
thies would, if possible, bind him there. His 
heart was indeed theirs ; but he had given it 
to One, whose right was paramount to theirs. 
It belonged, without reserve, to Him who issued 
the command : " Go ye into all the world, and 
preach the gospel to every creature." Day by 
day, he renewed his purpose t6 be the Lord's 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



67 



alone. His heart told him that his home would 
be where the Lord would send him. To him, 
all climes and regions would be alike, provided 
the gracious presence of God attended him 
there. With such emotions as warmed the 
heart of the psalmist, he could now say? "Whom 
have I in heaven but thee, and there is none 
upon earth that I desire beside thee." With 
his eye and his heart fixed on the wretched 
abodes of degraded idolators, he sought the 
counsel of Heaven. Hoping at length, that God 
would send him far off to the gentiles, he is 
solicitous to acquire every qualification, requi- 
site to make him an enlightened, zealous, and 
successful missionary. With this view, he 
commenced the study of the Hebrew language, 
that he might more thoroughly understand the 
truths of revelation, more entirely enter into 
their spirit; and above all, be prepared, if it 
were the will of Heaven, to translate them into 
a foreign language. Under the influence of 
such a motive, it need not be said, that he gave 
his whole heart to this new and interesting 
study. 

Already in his estimation the Bible was a 
venerable book ; but his heart dilates with an 



06 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN, 



unusual veneration, when he views it in its own 
simple attire, through which its native majesty 
best appears. Then it was, that he understood 
the whole force of those strong expressions, in 
relation to its value: "It is better than gold, 
yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than 
honey and the honey-comb." 

The spirit of Missions, which now began to 
expand his bosom, induced him to view with 
compassion the condition of the colored people 
of Knoxville. They had a Sabbath school, con- 
ducted by one of themselves. They very much 
needed the aid and superintendence of a pru- 
dent, skilful, and persevering instructer. 

Having previously learned that there was no 
law of the land prohibiting the instruction of 
colored people in Tennessee, and having ob- 
tained the consent of the superintendent of the 
Sabbath school in which he had for some time 
acted as a teacher, he cheerfully entered on the 
self-denying employment of instructing and ma- 
naging the African School. Another perhaps 
would have asked, Will not my connection with 
the African School sink me in the estimation of 
others? But public opinion had no influence 
over his decisions when determining what sho uld 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN, 



69 



be done or what should not be done. In a let- 
ter from Carolina, even his father lifted up a 
warning voice and entreated him to beware ! 
But he had taken his stand. He was deter- 
mined to obey God rather than man. To his 
compassionate heart, his new employment was 
entirely congenial. His first appearance in the 
African Sabbath School convinced him that he 
had a hearty welcome there. [Many a grateful 
glance, and many a countenance expanded al- 
most to a smile, assured him of a warm recep- 
tion there. The hymns which he sung, the 
prayers which he offered, the affecting exhorta- 
tions which he delivered, all gave him access to 
their hearts, and with one accord they pro- 
nounced him the friend of the black man. On 
every returning Sabbath he shared more of 
their confidence, and many a token of their 
respect and affectionate regard did they give 
him. In their esteem and improvement he had 
an ample compensation for the contemptuous 
smile of the petty coxcomb. In many an Afri- 
can bosom in Tennessee, his humble, compas- 
sionate, and dignified - deportment in the Sabbath 
school, is remembered still : yea, such an im- 
pression has it made on many hearts, that it will 
never be forgotten while memory lasts. 



70 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

About this time, our young brother was assail- 
ed by a temptation which much harassed and 
perplexed him. When meditating one day on 
the fall of man, it occurred to him that God 
could have prevented it ; — if he could have pre- 
vented it, he ought to have done it. Then the 
query arose, since he did not prevent it, how 
could he be just in punishing that which he 
ought to have prevented ? This view and the 
query arising out of it, he regarded as his own ; 
and charged himself with downright rebellion 
against God. Deeply did he mourn, because 
he could not at once repel a cavil, so unjust to 
God, and so painful to himself. And more bit- 
terly did he lament that it had ever found its 
way into his mind. When fully persuaded that 
he abhorred the rebellious thought, and loathed 
himself for having entertained it for one mo- 
ment, he was still more agitated by the fear, 
that the blasphemous vagary which had given 
him so much torture, was an alarming indica- 
tion of approaching insanity. This fear was 
more than doubled by the recollection of a case 
of derangement, which he had not long before 
witnessed. In the midst of these tormenting 
anxieties, he betook himself to fasting and 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



71 



prayer. Peace returned, and the tempter fled. 
This stratagem of Satan put him on his guard; 
when assaulted the next time, he raised the 
shield of faith, whereby he was able to quench 
all the fiery darts of the wicked. At the time 
of this sharp conflict, Jefferson thought he stood 
alone ; but he afterwards learned, that such 
trials often befel the most devoted servants of 
God. 

In this painful exercise we see a Christian in- 
deed, one who abhorred the thought of doing for 
a moment the leastinjustice to God. Such a man, 
we may readily believe, would take a deep inter- 
est in every thing that relates to the welfare of 
the church and the glory of his Redeemer. 
The heart of such a man would of course bleed at 
the sight of dissensions among Christian breth- 
ren. Being himself taught of God to love the 
brethren, he would naturally, and indeed neces- 
sarily, conclude that all genuine disciples of 
Christ loved each other. He remembered well 
who had said, " hereby shall all men know that 
you are my disciples, when you have love one 
to another." With these sentiments warm in 
his heart, he viewed almost with agony the jea- 
lousies and animosities that subsisted between 



72 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



two churches of the same denomination, located 
in the same village. To him it appeared to be 
incomprehensible, that those who loved the same 
Saviour, entertained the same hope, and expected 
to meet in the same heaven, should fall out by 
the way. To reconcile Christians to each other, 
he therefore thought would be no difficult task. 
With all the promptitude of charity, with all 
the dexterity of prudence, with all the patience 
of perseverance, he formed and prosecuted the 
design of conciliating the contending parties. 
In this project of charity, he associated with 
himself a young brother, to whom he imparted 
his own views, and whose heart beat in unison 
with his own. They called to their aid the 
lights of reason and the charity of the gospel ; 
and at a stated hour they asked counsel of God, 
and implored the love-inspiring Spirit of Hea- 
ven to descend on the jarring churches and heal 
their strife. Pearson, having had the counsel of 
a brother, and having looked to Heaven for 
direction, next makes known his views and 
wishes to the pastors of the churches; and 
afterwards to their leading members. This is 
done with all the winning modesty of a young, 
inexperienced Christian ; yet with all the gra- 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN 



73 



vity and firmness of mature age. He is not 
regarded as a forward intruder; his views and 
feelings are treated with respect. Kind and 
encouraging assurances are given him, on both 
sides. Harmony he hopes will be restored, 
He next matures his plans of union. Their 
wisdom and beneficial tendency are not called in 
question. But our young brother now learns, 
that the spirit of the world was not entirely 
cast out of the Church. That there are num- 
bers connected with it who have not learned to 
be 'kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiv- 
ing one another even as God for Christ's sake 
hath forgiven us.' 

Having heard about this time a lecture on 
the parable of the tares, he had fresh evidence, 
every week, that they grew abundantly in the 
Church, and he was farther convinced that to 
them might be ascribed most of the divisions of 
the Church, which fell under his observation. 
This was indeed disheartening ; but stillfhe per- 
severed. He had, it is true, gained over many 
Christian hearts to his scheme of union : but they 
were peace-makers ; and by a fear of increasing 
division, they yielded, for the present, to the opi- 
nion of those, whose business in the Church is 



74 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN* 



to perpetuate discord. Our peaceful brother 
had fully embraced the opinion that religion 
would languish until peace was restored be- 
tween the discordant churches, and that a revi- 
val of genuine godliness could not be expected 
before they agreed on some plan of union, 
Hence, in hope, he believed against hope, and 
was not weary in his labor of love, though diffi- 
culties increased at every step. Though his 
plans were in a great measure abortive, yet 
they led him into a more profound acquaintance 
with human nature; served above all to awaken 
his own zeal for the glory of his Redeemer and 
the purity of the Church. They indeed dimi- 
nished the scope of that charity which "think- 
eth no evil" ; but they enlarged the compass of 
that charity which "suffereth long and is kind; 
which endureth all things ; and likewise hopeth 
all things." 

Having introduced family worship in the 
house at which he boarded, and having associ- 
ated fpfayer with all his other employments, and 
believing that all our lawful employments are 
sanctified by the word of God and prayer, he 
next proposes to the literary society of which 
he was a member, to open its several meetings 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



75 



by devoutly imploring the benediction of Hea- 
ven. The resolution, which he offered on this 
subject, did not pass ; he therefore modestly 
requested a dismission. After some hesitancy, 
a dismission was granted, upon the condition 
of his delivering a valedictory address. 

With this condition he cheerfully complied, 
because it afforded him an opportunity of urg- 
ing and persuading the members of the society 
to embrace the gospel as the basis on which to 
found their faith, their hope, their morals, and 
their comfort. 

This withdrawal from the literary society 
was not a hasty act ; for a considerable time it 
had occupied his thoughts, and he had repeat- 
edly sought direction from Heaven. " Having 
been (says he in his journal) for some time in 
doubt whether it was my duty to remain in 
connection with the society, I at length con- 
cluded to determine it by a kind of lot, such as 
this: that if it were the Lord's will that I 
should remain, that he would cause such a cir- 
cumstance to take place ; but if not, that he 
would prevent its occurrence. This method I 
had recently employed in a doubtful case, and 
thought that I was directed aright; and I also 



76 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

humbly hope that in the last instance I was 
led to adopt the proper course." On this me- 
thod of seeking the guidance of Heaven he 
makes the following comment: " I am not pre- 
pared to say that this manner of trying to dis- 
cover a duty is perfectly right. It certainly is 
not, where the duty is already plain, or can be 
discovered by the individual in the Bible. But 
I think where a person is really in doubt about 
what he ought to do, and actually wishes to dis- 
cover the will of the Lord in order to do it, 
and will thus fix upon some event uncertain to 
him, and as apt to take place as not, and will 
pray earnestly and in faith to be directed aright, 
that he will be directed aright. This is acting 
somewhat similar to the apostles in casting lots 
between Joseph and Matthias. " 

Having lately read a treatise on diet, and 
having observed that his mind was more vigo- 
rous after certain kinds of food, he began to 
make experiments, in order to ascertain what 
kind of nutriment would be most congenial to 
mental improvement. With regard to the li- 
quids connected with his diet, he observed that 
coffee and tea were stimulants, milk a sedative, 
and that water held a kind of neutral rank be- 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN, 



77 



tween the two. To decide this matter he ap. 
peals to Heaven by prayer and 'the casting of 
a lot.' In his Journal, (Aug. 1st, 1831,) he 
makes this record: "Endeavored to discover 
whether it was the will of the Lord, or not, 
that I should drink only water for breakfast 
and supper; and tried it for each, by prayer and 
dropping a piece of money. At each trial, the 
money lay with that side up which I had pro- 
posed should indicate his will that I should 
drink water at those meals." After the experi- 
ment of one week, our self-denying Christian 
began to feel some loss of animal spirits, and 
began to call in question the propriety of the 
course he had adopted. To settle the doubt, he 
has again recourse to 1 lot'; and of this final tri- 
al thus speaks: "Endeavored again to discover 
the will of God respecting my diet, and request- 
ed that the matter might be finally decided, and 
that I might do that which would most tend to 
promote my health, the good of my soul, the 
salvation of the souls of others, and the Re- 
deemer's glory and cause; and that I might 
delight to do his will, whatever it might be. 
Whereupon, as before, I tried whether it was 
the will of the Lord to release me entirely 
7* 



78 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



from the obligation under which I felt myself 
to drink water at breakfast and supper. From 
the piece of money thrown up I received the 
answer, No! Again I tried the question, Am 
I to confine myself constantly to this course? 
Answer, No ! Again tried ; and requested that 
the matter might be put entirely to rest, and 
that I should submit to his will either way ; 
that I should drink temperately of coffee or tea, 
or any other liquid set before me, ardent spirits 
excepted, or whether I should drink water only 
for breakfast and supper. Received the answer 
Yes, for drinking temperately of whatever came 
before me, spirituous liquors excepted. 

Thus ended this dubious affair, and our young 
Christian, taught by experience,resorted to such 
a doubtful expedient no more. His last reflec- 
tions on this subject, are these : " i am begin- 
ning to doubt the propriety of this method of 
proceeding; but I am disposed to think, that 
in all cases that are really perplexing, a Chris- 
tian may obtain direction from Heaven, if 
sought in the right way. I believe that no 
Christian will often go wrong, if he will pray, 
read the Bible, and follow the dictates of an 
enlightened conscience." With regard to the 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



79 



whole transaction he afterwards has these re- 
marks : " I might have discovered my duty in 
relation to my diet, without resorting to any 
other means than reading the word of God, 
with prayer. My time would, no doubt, have 
been better spent in endeavoring to obtain 
suitable food for my soul." This whole affair 
presents our young brother in the attitude of a 
conscientious Christian, whose " failings leaned 
to virtue's side." It also exhibits a candor 
which could acknowledge, and a resolution 
which could reform an error. 

Amidst these austerities, in which our young 
brother seems almost an anchorite, we would 
be ready to conclude, that his heart was beyond 
the reach of female attraction. It was indeed 
strongly guarded ; but it had within emotions, 
which female delicacy, and meekness, and piety 
could stir. As a student his intercourse with 
young females was highly exemplary. His 
course was prescribed, and from it no female 
charms could draw him. But his heart often 
reminded him, that he could not resist those 
attractions always. The following ode written 
in Miss R.'s album may be regarded as a speci- 



'Si) 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



men of his taste and the natural bias of a heart 
that female worth could captivate: 

Daughter of Time, thou hast been made 

By the Almighty hand : 
Here thou wilt stay till Death has laid 

Thee with the silent band. 

Thy soul will then pass to a state 

Of endless bliss or woe ; 
Know, this or that will be the fate 

To which thou hast to go. 

Altho' thy birth is from' on high, 

Yet he who caused our fall 
Would charm thee from thy native sky 

To sin's enticing thrall. 

But thou hast chosen the good part 

To sit at Jesus' feet ; 
And learn of him, with humble heart, 

Temptations how to meet. 

Repent each day of evil deeds, 

Complete your heavenly race, 
Root out by prayer all noxious weeds 

That choke the seeds of grace. 

Renounce all false morality, 

Thyself on Jesus roll, 
Love him with every faculty 

Of body, heart, and soul. 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



81 



Devote thyself unto the Lord 

With all thou an. and hast, 
And live by faith upon his word, 

And hope for heaven at last. 

May God, the Father and the Son 

1 And Spirit of all grace, ' 
The mighty Three combined in one. 
Smile ever on thy face. 

About the commencement of autumn he had 
a very affecting view of the poverty and empti- 
ness of all his best deeds. This discovery was 
rendered more painful by the apprehension that 
he had run into some of the excesses of super- 
stition, and had placed too much reliance on his 
supposed good works. Himself now and his 
good deeds too he renounces with abhorrence, 
that he may rely exclusively on Christ crucified, 
for pardon and justification. In this temper he 
wrote the following stanzas in Miss T.'s album: 

Tho' thrones and kingdoms, states and powers, 
And all the world, were justly ours, 
And we should freely them bestow 
To feed and clothe and warm the poor ; 
Yet, we must lean on Jesus. 

Tho' we should pray from day to day, 
> In sorrow and repentance stay, 



82 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

On Sabbath at the church be found, 
And gladly hear, the gospel sound ; 
Still we must lean on Jesus. 

Tho' we forgive and pray for foes. 
Relieve their wants, grieve for their woes ; 
Tho' friend and foe and all should share 
Our love, and sympathy, and care ; 
Still we must lean on Jesus. 

Tho' we should keep all the commands, 
And preach the gospel to all lands, 
We must not rest upon our deeds, 
For they indeed are broken reeds ; 
And we must lean on Jesus. 

Altho' our bodies may be burn'd, 
Without the love of Jesus learn'd, 
We shall not see his face in peace; 
The flames of torture will not cease, 
Unless we lean on Jesus. 

May Jesus give us crowns of gold, 
With kingdoms, bliss, and joys untold : 
Then we shall ever sing the song 
£ The glory doth to thee belong 
And still will lean on Jesus. 

Having received a letter from the Rev. M. 
Dickson, his beloved pastor, requesting him to 
be at the meeting of the Presbytery of South 
Carolina, in order to put himself under its care 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



83 



in reference to his preparation for the ministry, — 
having learned that there were several revivals 
in his native State, — and being informed also 
that a camp-meeting was appointed at Nazareth, 
— Jefferson, towards the close of September, be- 
came exceedingly anxious to return home. 
But his solicitude places him in a most painful 
dilemma. On the one side, the commencement 
in college is near; and on the other, the time of 
the meeting of Presbytery is at hand. If he 
wait for the commencement, he cannot attend 
the Presbytery ; if he meet the Presbytery, he 
must unavoidably be absent at commencement. 
He prays earnestly for direction. He at length 
concludes that it his duty to return immediately 
to Carolina. There is now, in his view, but one 
difficulty in the way : he has riot consulted the 
faculty, nor yet obtained leave of absence. 
With unusual earnestness he makes application 
to the president, and receives a prompt denial. 
After passing a melancholy day, he determines 
to renew his application. He writes a respect- 
ful petition, which was presented the next day 
to the president, together with his letter from 
Mr. Dickson, and a newspaper containing ac- 
counts of revivals in Carolina. The papers 



£4 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN, 



were returned with a positive refusal, and an 
intimation, that our zealous Christian " was run- 
ning into enthusiasm, and in danger of being 
entangled in an error that would lead him far 
astray.' 1 To this touching insinuation, which 
entered his heart like a dagger, he meekly re- 
plies, " Perhaps this is the fact." He was 
aware that he did not fully know himself; and 
he always had the most profound respect for 
the experience-taught wisdom of age. He 
cheerfully submits. He regards the president 
of the college, for the present, as occupying the 
place of a father; and feels bound to obey. 
All his strong sensibilities he sacrifices at the 
shrine of duty ; and waits patiently for the close 
of the session. The ultimate decision of the 
president he receive as an indication of the will 
of Heaven : and his mind and heart fare now 
turned intensely to the preparation of a speech, 
to be delivered at the exhibition, on Divine 
Revelation. Most importunately does he pray* 
that it may be made a blessing to many. In his 
heart he feels, that if his presence at commence- 
ment can be a spiritual benefit to any, he can 
cheerfully forego the advantages and pleasures 
of attending the meeting of Presbytery. Mr. 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



55 



Pearson did indeed submit patiently to the will 
of the faculty, respecting his continuing in 
Knoxville to the close of the session ; but he 
now begins to pant for a greater degree of 
liberty. Without disputing the right of the 
faculty to detain him, or without passing a 
shadow of a censure on its decision in his case, 
he forms the resolution to leave college, and 
finally bid adieu to Tennessee. His unbound 
spirit could not brook the imprisonment of a 
literary institution. So spiritual had he become, 
so much was his heart drawn towards heaven, 
that he had no longer any relish for studies 
that were not directly connected with the science 
of salvation. After commencement he returns 
home, with the intention of pursuing such a 
literary course, as would in his opinion most 
direc tly lit him for usefulness as a herald of the 
cross. The only apology that he offered for 
this procedure w r as, that he was entirely indif- 
at about the honor which comethfrom men, 
that his only care would henceforth be to be 
thoroughly qualified to preach the fulness of 
the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 

If in this the devotees of literature will say 
he erred, notwithstanding every pious heart will 
8 



35 



S O XI THERN CHRISTIAN. 



readily pardon an error, that seemed to flow 
directly from entire devotedness to God. If in 
the sight of God, the supreme judge of the 
heart, his departure from a regular collegiate 
course was not an offence, but an act that 
merited his high approval, notwithstanding, 
being a rare case, it deserves rather to be ad- 
mired than imitated. 

The advocate of a learned ministry he always 
was. On this subject, his journal presents the 
following observations, soon after his return to 
Carolina : — " If it was necessary for the Apostles 
to follow the Saviour three years, who was the 
most perfect teacher who ever appeared on 
earth, in order to learn his doctrines, how much 
more is it now necessary to devote several years 
to divine study, before we assume the office of 
a minister, since we have not the advantage of 
being with the Saviour in person ! If the gift 
of tongues was necessary for the Apostles, it is 
also necessary for us ; therefore we should 
spend sufficient time to learn the different 
tongues, which will be most useful, — unless we 
can obtain them miraculously, as the Apostles 
did, which is not to be expected now." 



CHAPTER VIL 



On Thursday, the 18th of October, he left 
Knoxville in the stage, and turned his face 
homeward. When he arrived at Newport, the 
stage running to Ashville was gone. Without 
much hesitation, he came to the conclusion to 
pursue his journey on foot. Friday and Satur- 
day he moved forward distributing tracts as he 
proceeded, until his w r hole stock was spent. At 
Ashville, he sought in vain for a recruit. How 
much was his heart afflicted when he parted 
with the last of these little companions of his 
way ! And how much was he disappointed, 
when he learned that he could not at Ashville 
obtain a fresh supply ! Xow he concludes that 
by some other method he must do something to 
advance the spiritual welfare of every one 
whom he meets on his way. The Sabbath rises 
with its sweet beams on our weary traveller; 
and on the third day invites him to rest. He 
remembered the Sabbath day, and kept it holy. 
Of this fact we have in his journal only this 



S3 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



simple record : — " Rested, — and felt quite thank- 
ful for the Sabbath." On that day he was among 
strangers when the Sabbath found him ; but he 
was not alone, for the Lord of the Sabbath met 
him there. On Tuesday he arrives at home. 
Home is now doubly dear to him for two rea- 
sons : distilled poison appears no more on his 
father's sideboard; and 4 his sister having lately 
obtained a hope and made a profession of re- 
ligion, he now regards the whole family in the 
delightful condition of that of Bethany, of which 
it was said, " Jesus loved Mary, and Martha, and 
Lazarus." 

He looks around on his beloved home, and 
asks what more can be done to make it the 
charming residence of the Friend of sinners. 
His father's family he trusts is now a part of 
the household of faith ; but the servants he fears 
have no inheritance among them that are sanc- 
tified. His compassion bleeds for their sorrow- 
ful condition " without God and without hope 
in the world." He finds them in " darkness in 
the region and shadow of death." Immediately 
he devises and steadily pursues a plan of in- 
struction. The colored people are regularly 
gathered around the family altar. While a 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 89 

chapter is deliberately and devoutly read and 
sometimes explained, all the children capable 
of comprehending- any part of it stand arranged 
in a circle about him, giving a profound atten- 
tion. After the prayer, during which they de- 
voutly kneeled, they rose in their several places, 
and answered questions proposed from the 
chapter just read and explained. Custom soon 
made this method of instruction delightful; and 
their improvement was soon apparent to all. 
A minister of the gospel, who witnessed the 
efficacy of this scheme of instruction after it 
had been in operation for one year, was aston- 
ished at the readiness and judgment with which 
the proposed questions w^ere answered. Such 
profound attention, such orderly deportment, 
he had never before seen among the same num- 
ber of children of any family. Such is the 
power of manner ! An affectionate manner, 
proceeding from a feeling heart, will usually 
gain the hearts of children. Over those little 
hearts Jefferson seemed to have complete com- 
mand, around the family altar. 

In his return from Knoxville, Jefferson had, 
by losing an opportunity of going in the stage, 
saved about ten dollars. He asks his father, if 
8* 



11 #. 

90 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



he will give him the liberty of appropriating 
that sum to any object he pleases. His father 
readily consents ; he in a few days sends it to 
Charleston to be laid out in tracts, for distribu- 
tion in his own district. 

To his pastor, he next submits the plan of 
reading religious news to those persons who 
came with the children who attended the Sab- 
bath school. The Sabbath school was carried 
on in the church, before the morning service 
commenced ; and being in a country place, the 
parents and other members of the family came 
with the children. For such as were necessarily 
present, and were not immediately employed in 
the Sabbath school, he hopes by the plan sug- 
gested, to furnish profitable entertainment. 
The scheme was admirable ; and were there 
Sabbath schools connected with all our country 
churches, and this plan appended to them, what 
an amount of good might be done ! The peo- 
ple thus becoming acquainted with the state and 
prospects of the churches, which are flourish- 
ing like the palm-tree and growing like the 
cedar of Lebanon, would feel a generous emu- 
lation kindling in their hearts. Becoming 
familiar with the benevolent operations of this 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN, 



9! 



age of benevolence, their hearts would expand 
in a noble charity, and the benediction of the 
great philanthropist, 'Blessed are the merciful, 
for they shall obtain mercy,' would move and 
meet their whole souls. 

There is another class of hearers who fre- 
quent our churches, which Jefferson supposed 
was too much neglected. The descendants of 
Africa always occupied a tender place in his 
heart wherever he found them; but it was natu- 
ral that he should feel a peculiar solicitude for 
those of his own neighborhood, among whom 
he had dwelt from his birth. He next proposes 
to his reverend pastor to furnish them with some 
appropriate instruction. To him it appeared, 
that, in most of Presbyterian churches in the 
South, they seemed to look on professed Chris- 
tians with an eye that would say, 4 No man car- 
eth for my soul.' In his opinion, to overcome 
their indifference, it was necessary to conquer 
our own. He firmly believed that they would 
never feel an interest in us, until we felt and 
manifested a deep interest in them. ¥/ith his 
views his reverend friend at once concurred. 
At a convenient hour the colored people assem- 
bled, and heard the doctrines and precepts of the 



92 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



gospel from one whom they had known from 
his youth. The first ingredient in his familiar 
addresses was compassion, the second simpli- 
city. By the latter, he approached their minds ; 
be the former, he drew near their hearts. His 
method of instruction taught them that Presby- 
terians have hearts which can melt in commisse- 
ration over the black man. Him they always 
loved. His memory will ever live in their 
hearts. The mention of his name still expands 
many a dark bosom ; and many a falling tear 
tells how much he was loved. 

At Nazareth the black man is treated as a 
man still; and he is glad when they say to him, 
"Come, let us go to the house of the Lord." 
Mr. Pearson's maxim no doubt is true : "Treat 
them as immortals, and they will treat you as 
immortals." No one was ever farther removed 
than he from that reckless fanaticism that seeks 
the emancipation of the African at the risk of 
his ruin ; but no one ever more ardently desired 
to bestow on him the liberty of the gospel, and 
make him 'Christ's free man.' 

Soon after his return to his native state, we 
find him diligently employed in the prosecution 
of his studies. To the daily perusal of the Bi- 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN 



93 



ble in the original languages, he now adds 
natural and moral philosophy, and theology. 
And to his former devotional exercises he now 
adds heavenly contemplation at the hour of twi- 
light Thus was he obviously growing in grace 
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ. 

His theological studies he commenced under 
the direction of the Rev. M. Dickson, who resid- 
ed about one mile from his father's house, At 
the urgent request of many friends, and with 
the approbation of his parents and pastor, he re- 
solves to spend one Sabbath in each month in the 
vacant church of Pacoiet, to aid in their religious 
exercises. In an extract from his diary of Feb. 
1832, we may distinctly learn the manner in 
which his time is spent. "Commenced a plan 
of study, of which I trust the Lord will ap- 
prove ; and in which, I hope, he will enable me 
to persevere. But if the method be agreeable 
to his will, may all the honor redound to him- 
self, who inclined me to adopt it 

"The plan is this : when I rise in the morn- 
ing, first address the throne of grace, read a 
Greek Harmony of the Gospels, first translate 
a verse, then endeavor, by the aid of the Spirit, 



94 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



to understand and improve it to my spiritual 
benefit. Then read the Notes at the end of 
the Harmony, by examining the verses quoted 
endeavor to discover the harmony of the gos- 
pels, and improve in every way possible ; this 
exercise to be continued until breakfast, Then 
read one hour in 'Natural Philosophy. The 
next hour to be spent in work, or some corpo- 
ral exercise equivalent. Next read Hebrew, 
(two hours,) both critically and practically. 
Then address the throne of grace ; after which 
ten or fifteen minutes will be spent in the con- 
sideration of some duty, which I am inclined to 
think I may be required to perform. For ex- 
ample, should I become a missionary? or what 
is and what is not a violation of the Sabbath? 
In all such queries seeking divine teaching, as 
the only method of reaching a satisfactory re- 
sult. After this, four hours are to be taken up 
in reading some system of theology. (If din- 
ner consume a part of this time, the time thus 
lost will be added to the four hours to make up 
the complement.) Then will follow another 
hour of bodily exercise. After which various 
other matters will be attended to, as may be 
most suitable and convenient, such as reading 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



95 



news, tracts, poetry, history, &c, or sometimes 
writing; all winding up with family prayers, 
after which the black children are to be ques- 
tioned and instructed on the chapter read. Be- 
fore lying down, the throne of grace is again to 
be addressed ; and fifteen minutes to be em- 
ployed in heavenly contemplation, looking for 
divine assistance therein. Eight hours will be 
allowed for sleep. Sun up, the latest hour for 
rising. 

"On Tuesdays and Saturdays, by agreement 
with Mr. Dickson, I repair to his study to pass 
an examination, receive instruction, consult 
commentaries or works on theology. Then 
return home in time to commence my four 
hours' study of theology, unless necessarily 
detained. The Sabbath is to be devoted sa- 
credly to the exercises peculiarly belonging to 
it. Before the public exercises of the church, 
the Union Questions may be studied. After 
coming from church, I w r ill go to the young 
men's prayer meeting ; the rest of the evening 
to be spent in various religious exercises. The 
third Sabbath of every month will probably be 
spent at Pacolet. And likely a part of the 
Saturday before and Monday after will be con- 



96 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



sumcd in going and returning, unless in pecu- 
liar circumstances I can be convinced it is my 
duty to go and return on the Lord's day. But 
may the Lord of the Sabbath direct me in this 
matter, and never suffer me to violate the Sab- 
bath day ! The first Monday in every month 
will, if the Lord permit, be usually employed 
at the court-house, in distributing tracts. Occa- 
sionally, also, other public days will be devoted 
to the same purpose. In this business, I will 
perhaps, at times, employ a substitute." These 
regulations he dismisses with the following de- 
vout reflections : "May the Lord enable me to 
improve the time as it passes, and spend all to 
his glory. The above, with any other improve- 
ments that may be added, is the manner in 
which I hope the Lord will strengthen me to 
spend my time ; except it should please Him to 
prevent it by sickness or some other providen- 
tial interference. May He give me health, and 
make me grateful for it; and incline me to im- 
prove it to his glory. May He dispose me so to 
act, as not to need chastisement to excite me to 
do my duty. But when He sees it best for me, 
may He give me faith and patience to bear it as 
a disciple of the 4 man of sorrows': I ask it in 
the name of Jesus. Amen." 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 97 

What, you may ask, was it that gave so 
much value to time in his estimation ? It was, 
we may say without doubt, its connection with 
eternity. As a proof of this, and as a speci- 
men of the manner in which he closed the day, 
take the following contemplation,— dated Tues- 
day evening, Feb. 28th, 1832. "Conceive. 
my Soul, if thou canst, the length of eternity! 
Let a particle of dust and a drop of water 
stand each for 999.000 millions of centuries. 
Let that immense number of centuries be mul- 
tiplied by every particle of dust in the whole 
globe. Let that product be multiplied by every 
drop of water, each drop representing 999.000 
millions of centuries, Double this number: 
and afterwards multiply it by itself, and you 
will produce an overwhelming number. One 
which the power of calculation cannot reach ; 
one which no language on earth can express, 
But will this be eternity ? No ! It will not be 
as much, in comparison with eternity, as the 
smallest particle of dust is in comparison with 
the whole globe : — but infinitely less. For 
a~t t this dux of centuries, there would remain 
an eternity still undiminished, ever-during. 
And, I can add, this description of the length 
9 



93 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

of eternity is infinitely fainter, in comparison 
with what it really is, than the light of a candle 
is fainter than the light of the sun. To ease 
the burden of conception, and sum up the 
whole : eternity is that which has no beginning, 
and no end ! ! O ! eternity ! eternity ! ! The 
amount of eternal happiness how vast! ! of eter- 
nal misery how great the sum ! ! ! Oh ! my Soul ! 
my Soul ! may you escape the one, and enjoy 
the other, through the riches of grace in Christ 
Jesus my Lord ! Amen." 

This gigantic conception of eternity was 
constantly blended with every recollection of 
God, of himself, of immortals around him. It 
attended him in the discharge of every duty ; 
it was mingled with every motive; it prompted 
to every act. I had almost said, it appeared in 
every step ; — it was visible in every feature. 

He who had such an enlarged and enlarging 
view of eternity could never be idle. To such 
a man, three score years and ten to labor for 
eternity appeared a point indeed. Our young 
Christian needed no premonition from Heaven 
that his transient stay on earth would little ex- 
ceed the third of that short account, to awaken 
every power and stir every nerve in the work 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



99 



of the Lord, in the weighty concerns of eternity. 
In his judgment, cleared by the light of immor- 
tality, a hundred, nay a thousand years, was a 
contracted span compared with ever-during 
eternity. 

On the third Sabbath, as contemplated, we 
find him at the Pacolet church. After the cus- 
tomary previous exercises, he read a sermon, 
on "The way to bliss." After which, (to use 
his own language,) "I strongly recommended 
Sabbath schools. At the close of the religious 
exercises, I presented a subscription paper for 
the purpose of raising a Sabbath school library ; 
I was delighted and encouraged when the piper 
was returned to me with the amount of fifteen 
dollars subscribed. My impression was that the 
Lord had opened their hearts ; as the church is 
small, the people in moderate circumstances, and 
not trained to liberality. Therefore, I found my 
unhumbled heart ready to swell with pride, on ac- 
count of what was done. I instantly prayed, that 
I might, with disgust, reject all praise bestowed 
on myself, and earnestly desire it all to be given 
to the Lord." 

Within a month, the money for the Sabbath 
School library is collected, and sent with a let- 



100 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



ter written by Mr. Pearson to the agent of the 
Sabbath School Union of Charleston; plead- 
ing that the Sabbath School at Pacolet might 
be regarded as an auxiliary to the Sabbath 
School Union, on the easiest terms possible, 
in order that books might be received at the 
usual discount allowed to auxiliaries. Also 
entreating that every thing that could be spared 
would be sent gratis, — especially pictures, if any 
such were on hand, illustrating Scripture histo- 
ry, in all this we see distinctly the features of 
Him who while on earth went about doing 
good. 

Being a truly modest young man, when our 
Southern Christian conceived the idea of deli- 
vering lectures on the Shorter Catechism every 
month, at Pacolet, he must have felt a tremu- 
lous movement throughout his nervous system. 
As this thought first rose on his mind, he feared 
to entertain it ; but was afterwards encouraged 
to proceed by the aid which he perceived he 
might obtain from Br. Green's and Ridgeley's 
Lectures on the same subject. An additional 
inducement to pursue this course, was, that he 
would be thereby completely digesting a system 
of theology, and preparing himself to be, in the 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN 



101 



best sense of the word, an 'orthodox divine.' 
After these reflections, the subject is mentioned 
to his highly-esteemed pastor, who gives his 
sanction. Pearson, having obtained the con- 
sent of his heart before, and now having the 
support of his conscience, with all the diffi- 
dence of humility, but with all the firmness of 
resolution, addresses himself to his work. 

How he felt on this subject, and others inti- 
mately connected, will appear from the following 
letter to two young friends at Knoxville, which 
you have almost entire — dated March, 1 832. 

V Dear Friends, — 

The Giver of every blessing continues to 
administer to all my necessities, blessing me 
especially with health and contentment. You, 
I doubt not, have also experienced his goodness 
in every respect, if it should be even in sick- 
ness ; for he sends every chastisement for our 
good : whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth. 

"Since I arrived at home I have unexpect- 
edly fallen into a new and important station. 
The teacher of our Academy, having removed 
to Georgia, left three vacant churches, one of 
which he and some other friends have engaged 
me to attend monthly. 

9* 



102 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



"With the approbation of our pastor, I have 
commenced delivering lectures on the Shorter Ca- 
techism. My inexperience in this work will lead 
me to rely entirely on divine aid. The best and 
most experienced minister depends altogether 
on the Lord Almighty for success in his minis- 
terial labors ; how much more do I need help 
from above, who both in wisdom and experi- 
ence am but a child. 

"The Academy at Poplar Spring, which Mr. 
Kennedy left, is now occupied by Mr. Dickson, 
our pastor, with whom I am studying theology. 
I have finished Moral and have nearly completed 
Natural Philosophy. I have read carefully the 
first volume of Home's Introduction, and about 
one third of the first volume of Ridgeley's Bo- 
dy of Divinity. I read slowly : pausing often, 
striving to understand every thing fully as I 
advance, and fix all in memory. Besides, three 
or four hours every day are occupied in the 
study of Hebrew or Greek. The ministry is 
an important undertaking, for which we should 
be well prepared, both in piety and literature. 
Mr. D. has in his Academy four promising 
young men, who are looking forward to the 
ministry. W e have a prayer meeting every Sab- 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN 



103 



bath evening, at which we trust the young 
plants of grace are nourished and strengthened. 
The utility of such a society you know, I trust' 
from experience. The sweet brotherly deyo- 
tions we enjoyed together in the retired grove, 
were certainly not in vain. And although the 
particular object for which we entreated did 
not seem to be granted at the time, our prayers 
may yet be answered by copious showers from 
on high, i hope your petitions still continue to 
ascend together. Though but two in number, 
you can claim the promise made to two or three. 
Let your request be that the blessing may de- 
scend immediately. And whea you pray be- 
lieve that you receive, and you shall receive. 
Perhaps it was here we erred before, in not 
asking in faith for an immediate blessing. 

' : I long to know whether the two jarring soci- 
eties, for whose union we prayed, are likely to 
be reconciled. I verily believe that it is their 
disunion that hinders a revival in those church- 
es. The Spirit of the Lord dwells not in the 
midst of strife, Use your utmost endeavors 
to effect a reconciliation, Young as I am, I 
would send them a reproof, if I could, that 
would reach their hearts. You may tell them, 



101 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

from me, that if they love their own souls and 
the souls of others, and want to follow Jesus, 
they will forgive and pray for one another. If 
they do this, each will be willing to suffer wrong 
rather than prolong the contention, and their 
mutual prejudices will be swallowed up in love- 
Tell them farther, and tell them plainly, that 
He who on the cross prayed, 'Father forgive 
them, they know not what they do,' looks from 
his high throne, with displeasure, on their strife. 
He points yet to a little child, and says to them 
4 Except ye become as this little child, you shall 
in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.' 

" In our supplications let us not forget the 
pagan world ; and let us use our endeavors to 
supply them with the gospel. I would enjoin 
it on you both, to inquire whether you are not 
bound, yourselves, to carry the gospel to the 
the heathen. The command of the Saviour 
and the claims of the world are before you. 

" Give my respects to Dr. Coffin ; the pater- 
nal advice and caution which he gave will be 
remembered with gratitude, as the means of 
guarding me against error (page 84). Let the 
Doctor read this letter. 

Yours affectionately, 

A. J. PEARSON." 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN, 105 

The last paragraph is recorded with peculiar 
pleasure, as the spontaneous effusion of a heart 
in which resentment could not lodge, and as a 
delightful exemplification of the heaven-de- 
scended adage, ''Reprove a wise man, and he 
will love thee." 

The lectures on the Catechism which were 
delivered at Pacolet were sometimes written 
out, sometimes bare skeletons were formed : 
from those of the first kind we make a short 
extract, as a specimen of the manner in which 
they were composed, and as a disclosure of the 
high motive by which their author was governed 
in all he did or said. 

" In all we do, we should have a single eye 
to the glory of God. Before we enter on any 
important business, before we even buy or sell 
a piece of property, we should ask ourselves 
whether or not it will promote the declarative 
glory of God. Perhaps that which we spend 
for property we do not absolutely need, should 
have been given to some benevolent object, 
which would have tended to advance the cause 
and glory of the Redeemer." Of him, all who 
knew him well would with cheerfulness say : 
"Whether he ate or drank, or whatever he did* 
he did all to the glory of God." 



CHAPTER VIII. 



While our student of theology is conscien- 
tiously pursuing the course he has prescribed 
for himself, he finds leisure to write letters to 
the pious, to urge them forward in their hea- 
venly career, remind them that angels will soon 
be their companions, heaven their home, and 
the universe the sphere of their action. To the 
thoughtless, insisting that they were constitu- 
tionally designed to reflect on things beyond 
the reach of sight ; and therefore to bound their 
views by the horizon of this world would be 
criminal and perilous. To the vicious and pro- 
fligate, warning them that the race they were 
running would end, if pursued, in temporal and 
eternal ruin. To friends of tract-distribution, 
to quicken their zeal in the holy cause, and 
guard them against being weary in well-doing. 
To superintendents and teachers of Sabbath 
schools, to awaken all their energies in behalf 
of the rising generation, the hope of the future 
Church, as well as of our growing republic. 
To the friends of temperance, persuading them 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



107 



to distinguish themselves, as benefactors of the 
present generation, by employing the most vigo- 
rous efforts, to restrain from complete vassalage 
those who were likely to become the hopeless 
slaves of intemperance. In a word, his mind, 
his heart, his hand, his voice, and his pen, were 
ever ready to aid and defend whatever tended to 
promote the temporal and eternal happiness of 
man. 

In the midst of these noble employments he 
anticipates an approaching period of deep inte- 
rest to his heart. Stern winter passes away; 
lovely spring begins to send forth its bland 
zephyrs; and all nature revives. But our stu- 
dent of theology is not charmed as he once was 
with the expanding foliage, the budding flower, 
or the fragrant breath of spring. Another sea- 
son is near, which has awakened anxieties which 
enchanting spring cannot lull. The spring ses- 
sion of the Presbytery of South Carolina is 
drawing near; and he, if his purpose fail not, is 
about to announce himself as a candidate for 
the gospel ministry. He is about to tell the 
ambassadors of Jesus Christ, assembled in his 
name, and by his authority, that he believes he 
is born of the Spirit, and moved by the Holy 



108 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN, 

Ghost to seek the most sacred office on earth. 
His conscience tells him that he must now give 
lucid proof of his regeneration, and ample evi- 
dence of his being called of God, as was Aaron. 
In deep solitude, where no eye can see him but 
God's, he reviews his life and searches his 
heart on his knees. The agitation of his spirit 
subsides in a heavenly calm ; he gives himself 
afresh to the God of his salvation, and pants for 
a full unction of the spirit He meets at length 
the ministers of Jesus Christ, and feels that he 
stands on holy ground ; he is introduced to the 
Presbytery by Mr. Dickson as one who desires 
to be under its care; the moderator turns his 
eye towards him, invites him to approach and 
take a seat; he rises, and his heart beats more 
quickly ; he draws near as one whose solemn 
air and deliberate step tell whither he is going; 
he is gravely seated, and, while inclining a little 
forward, as if involved in deep reflection, the 
profound silence is interrupted by the voice of 
the moderator, gently requiring him to give a 
brief narrative of what the Lord had done for 
his soul, and then concisely state the reasons 
why he desired the sacred ofHce. Rising to an 
attitude more erect, with a modest confidence, 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 109 

he proceeded to describe the exercises of his 
heart, from which he humbly trusted the Lord 
had called him by his grace. He mentioned 
no appalling terrors, nor did he speak of celes- 
tial raptures. He had nothing extraordinary 
to relate. The sum of all he could say was, 
that had he any righteousness of his own, he 
would renounce every shred of it, and trust ex- 
clusively in the Lord Jesus Christ for a free 
and full salvation ; and were the whole affair 
left to his own choice, he would be saved in this 
way, and in no other. From his heart he de- 
sired that Christ should have the whole glory 
of his redemption. With regard to the sacred 
office, he deeply felt his unworthiness, and 
greatly feared that he would fall far short of its 
high responsibilities: yet he as strongly felt 
that no other employment could ever suit his 
taste, and, like an ancient servant of God, he 
could say from his heart, "Yea, woe is unto 
me if I preach not the gospel." He had, in- 
deed, heard no voice from heaven, he had seen 
no vision; no remarkable impulse had taught 
him the will of the Most High: yet did he fully 
believe that nothing on earth could make him so 
happy as to honor Jesus, promote the spiritual 
10 



110 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



welfare of the Church, and save souls from 
death. We verily believe he could have added 
with truth, " I would rather honor Christ than 
be myself honored. I would rather bring sin- 
ners to Jesus than rule empires." 

After a few questions were proposed to him, 
and satisfactorily answered, he was permitted 
to retire; when Presbytery unanimously agreed 
to receive him, in the hope that, as the Lord 
had blessed him, he would make him a blessing. 
When called in, he modestly and gratefully 
heard from the lips of the moderator that he 
might regard himself as a candidate for the gos- 
pel ministry, under the care of the Presbytery 
of South Carolina. As a matter of course, the 
usual parts of trial were then assigned him. 
Next day he had an opportunity of holding 
Christian fellowship with the ministers of the 
sanctuary, the ruling elders of the Church, and 
a numerous concourse of private Christians. 
To him this was a solemn day. He feels now 
that he sustains a new relation to the ministers 
of Christ. He has placed himself directly un- 
der their care. He has now a deeper interest 
in their hearts. He will be remembered in 
their prayers. He recollects also that the eyes 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. m 

and hopes of the Church are turned towards 
him. On that day many a petition, he trusted, 
rose to Heaven for him. With these views, 
and with corresponding feelings amidst the 
assembly of the saints, he took his seat at the 
table of the Lord. In circumstances so moving 
to the pious heart, with such awakening recol- 
lections, he renewed his covenant with God, 
and gave himself to Him and the Church for- 
ever. 

Thus passed the winter of 1831 and '32: and 
thus passed the succeeding spring, summer, and 
autumn. What, in the mcnths preceding, our 
young brother was, with little variation he con- 
tinued to be through the residue of the year. 
Whatever difference might be discerned arose 
from his continual improvement. His was truly 
the path of " the just, that shineth more and 
more unto the perfect day." 

To those who understand the benign influ- 
ence of real Christianity, it need not be told that 
our student of theology was a patriot. Just so 
far as he was a Christian, in the same degree 
was he a patriot. The love of country early 
rose in his bosom. In his heart the heroes of 
the revolution were cherished with singular 



112 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



veneration. The bare mention of the names of 
Washington and La Fayette used to kindle a 
glow of patriotic ardor in his expanding fea- 
tures. In his anticipations our country was 
destined to be not merely the home of the emi- 
grant, the asylum of the oppressed, the birth- 
place of philosophers, of historians, of poets, 
and of orators ; but, most of all, the theatre of 
grace, the empire of Emanuel. With this 
partiality for his native country, and amidst the 
brightening prospects of glowing fancy, what 
must have been his disappointment and grief 
when he almost apprehends the rupture of 
those federal ties which bind these States to- 
gether! More than once the visions of the 
night presented to his disturbed imagination 
the gory fields of battle. The political conten- 
tions of his own State most of all mortified and 
harassed him. In those contentions he bore no 
part but that of a peace-maker. With this 
view, he matured and wrote the following "Plan 
for redressing our grievances and uniting the 
contending parties of our State." 

" As sin is the cause of every evil that comes 
on man, let us commence by extirpating it as 
far as possible. 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. H3 

" 1st. Let both parties unite in keeping the 
Lord's day holy. 

" 2d. Let both parties unite in electing right- 
eous rulers, men who fear God. 

" 3d. Let them unite in putting down infide- 
lity, error of every sort, and vice of every kind, 
and in fostering religion and morality. 

" 4th. Let us unite in treating our slaves hu- 
manely ; especially avoid, when possible, sepa 
rating husbands and wives, parents and children. 
Let us teach them the gospel fully. If we bring 
them completely under the influence of the 
doctrines and precepts of the gospel, this will 
prevent them at once from injuring themselves 
or us. Let them know that the Bible contains 
the will of the Great God ; let them learn to 
reverence the sacred book; let them be judi- 
ciously taught that it contains the command, 
' Servants, be obedient to your own masters,' 
and you will at the same time soften their na- 
tural ferocity, and make them contented with 
their lot. 

" 5th. Let both parties unite to spend their 
surplus funds in the erection of factories, by 
which we will both ward off the evils of the 
tariff and at the same time enrich our State. 
10* 



114 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



These are ' peaceable remedies.' That the 
Lord may put it into the hearts of all concerned 
to adopt this plan, is the prayer of 

" A. J. Pearson." 

To the next meeting of Congress he looked 
forward with particular solicitude, apprehend- 
ing that the political dissatisfaction arising in 
the South would then come to a crisis. In a 
letter to a friend, he utters this fervent prayer: 
" Oh ! that the Lord would preside in our coun- 
cils, and dispose our rulers to enact righteous 
laws, just and equal for each State." To the same 
friend, with regard to the contest then pending, 
he observes, "After praying to be directed, I 
have resolved not to join either party. This 
appears to be my duty, because when a minis- 
ter joins one party, his preaching is not accept- 
able to the other ; therefore, I do not wish to 
join either, or do any thing to injure the gospel ; 
and it is very probable when I become a minis- 
ter, I will have many opportunities of address- 
ing both parties." 

This was, indeed, entirely consistent with the 
character of one who was a follower, and who 
expected to be a minister, of Him who had 
affirmed ' 6 my kingdom is not of this world." 



SOUTHERN 



CHRISTIAN. 



115 



In this dignified neutrality he steadily persisted, 
although, at the approach of an election, his 
beloved father endeavored to induce him to 
violate it. Meekly, but promptly, he assured 
him that he could not comply with his wish, 
assigning his reasons with so much conscien- 
tious firmness and force, that he was at once 
convinced that his son was in the right. 

About nine months after he began to deliver 
lectures to the church at Pacolet on the cate- 
chism, a revival of religion commenced in that 
place, that greatly cheered his heart. An ac- 
count of this time of refreshing, we find in a 
letter to the Rev. J. L. Kennedy, their former 
pastor, dated, 

" Spartanburgh, So. Ca., Nov. 26, 1832. 
"Rev. and Dear Sir, — 

" I have more good news from Pacolet. On 
last Friday week, Mr. M. went with me to Mr. 

W. J 's, and preached at night; after his 

sermon I delivered an exhortation. We saw 
clearly that the spirit of the Lord was moving 
on the hearts of the people. Saturday was a 
cold rainy day; notwithstanding the little church 
fl ocked together. At night Mr. M preached 



116 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



again at the house of Mr. W. J . On Sab- 
bath the anxious were called. When they be- 
gan to approach in greater numbers than were 
expected, professors old and young wept for 

joy. At night the house of Mr. M'B was 

crowded ; and all could not get in. Mr. M 

delivered an excellent lecture on the parable of 
the ten virgins ; I again followed with an ex- 
hortation. Mr. M then requested profes- 
sors to kneel, in order to pray for the anxious ; 
he then requested the anxious to kneel: before 
he finished making the request, they began to 
kneel in the back part of the house ; — and im- 
mediately the whole assembly, as far as we 
could perceive, was prostrate on their knees 

begging for mercy. Mr. M- and myself 

spent Monday in visiting families ; and he 
preached at Mrs. J 's at night. On Tues- 
day he preached at the church. The anxious 
were again invited ; and the elders told us that 
all in the house who were not professors, either 
came or tried to come to the anxious seats, 
except one. Mr. M — — preached again at the 

house of Mr. W. J at night Next day we 

passed in family visitation ; at night we went 
to the Baptist church. There was an over- 



SOUTHERN 



CHRISTIAN. 



117 



whelming congregation. Mr. L preached, 

and Mr. M exhorted; at the close of the 

meeting, a great number kneeled down to be 
prayed for. This is a hasty sketch of the 
meeting. There are many things more that 
would gladden your heart, could I relate them 
all. All things were conducted orderly, and 
there was no excess in any of the meetings. 
******* 

"After the congregation was dismissed at Mr. 

J 's on Tuesday evening ; he and his family 

all seemed to be rejoicing together — two more 
of his children, a son and a daughter, entertain 

a hope. Mrs. J affectionately requested 

me to give you an account of the meeting: and 
most cordially added with tears in her eyes, "it 
would do you so much good." I repeat, Oh, 
that I could tell you all the interesting circum- 
stances of the meeting! In all that region, 
there is scarcely a family to be found, in which 
there are not some anxious or some rejoicing. 
Oh, that I could give you the names of all the 
anxious, that you might remember them seve- 
rally at the throne of grace ! : ' 



CHAPTER IX. 



That revival resulted, it is believed, in the 
sound conversion of many who will never for- 
get the prayers and exhortations of A. J. Pear- 
son. Soon after the close of this interesting 
season, his worthy pastor removed to Georgia. 
The editor of these memoirs had, about one 
month previously, located himself at Fairview, 
in Greenville District, with the hope of regain- 
ing his health. After Mr. Dickson had resolved 
to leave Nazareth, he was invited to visit that 
church. This invitation he concluded to accept ; 
and, accompanied by two of the elders of Fair- 
view, he repaired to Nazareth. The first even- 
ing he spent at the house of Mr. Dickson, who 
was on the eve of departing to Georgia. That 
evening, he had the first sight of the subject of 
these memoirs. About the close of twilight, 
with two or three books in his hands, he entered 
Mr. Dickson's house. After an introduction, 
Mr. Pearson took his seat, and sat in silence- 
The conversation that had been interrupted by 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN 



119 



his entrance, proceeded ; but the eyes of the 
writer of these pages, were fixed almost exclu- 
sively on him. There was nothing- remarkable 
in his person or his features : but he was the 
very image of simplicity, sincerity, and meek- 
ness. His eye was not keen and searching, nor 
did it seem to radiate beams of transcendent 
genius : but it indicated habitual thoughtfulness, 
and profound reflection. Had one met him in 
a forest, he would have regarded him as a stu- 
dent. Had he first viewed him in a large 
assembly of strangers, he would have recog- 
nised in him a saint. 

Soon after the departure of his pastor, Mr. 
Pearson removed to Fairview. to pursue the 
study of theology, under my care. Every day's 
observation confirmed my first impressions 
respecting him : and brought him nearer to my 
heart as a conscientious, firm, and zealous 
follower of the Son of God. 

As a student of theology, he was diligent 
almost to excess. The theological course which 
he pursued, completely engrossed his mind and 
his heart. In his studies, he was aided chiefly 
by Medulla Markii and Ridgely's Body of Di- 
vinity. Twice every week he recited a portion 



120 



Southern christian. 



of the New Testament, carefully and critically 
studied ; which he was able thoroughly to ana- 
lyze. As often, and in the same manner, he 
read a part of the Old Testament in the original 
language. Four times in the week he discussed 
some point in theology. After which I pro- 
posed questions connected with the subject, 
allowing him the liberty of doing the same. On 
Friday he gave a concise view of the opinions 
of one or both of the above named authors? 
respecting some of the more abstruse doctrines 
of theology. Having a very retentive memory, 
and a natural promptitude in the acquisition of 
languages, he read both Hebrew and Greek 
with accuracy and ease, Ashe had known the 
Scriptures from a child, and read them frequent- 
ly with care and delight, there was no part of 
them with which he was not familiarly ac- 
quainted. Hence could he, after a little reflec- 
tion, collect, arrange, and repeat all the pas- 
sages, by which any doctrine was supported. 
Respecting all the parts of the Bible which to 
him appeared obscure, besides examining the 
original languages, he had consulted several of 
the best Commentators. It was his custom, 
when reading the word of God, if any paragraph 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN", 



121 



occurred, which he did not fully understand, to 
mark it and keep a memorandum of it, never 
dismissing it, until his inquisitive mind found 
rest in some satisfactory exposition. His cleri- 
cal friends, who knew him intimately, will re- 
collect some of the numerous questions which 
he proposed to them, on such subjects. Thus 
li did he study to show himself approved unto 
God, a workman that needeth not to be 
ashamed: rightly dividing the word of truth." 
To this custom he was not prompted by mere 
curiosity: he was solicitous to know the whole 
revealed will of God. that it might influence and 
shape his mind and his conscience, his heart 
and his life ; and through him extend its gra- 
cious power to others. 

At Fairview, he lodged with Mr. P. The 
situation was retired, the family small, and 
every thing agreeable to his taste. But there 
was one thing wanting. The little family cir- 
cle did not bow around the altar of God. Diffi- 
dent and reserved, like himself, Mr. P. hesitates 
to mention the affair. On the other hand Mr. 
Pearson knows not how the proposal would be 
received, if made by him. At length a sense 
of duty constrained him ; he delicate!)" suggests 
11 



122 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



the matter to Mr. P.— he readily assents, — the 
family is collected, and the worship of God is 
introduced. Thus, like the patriarchs, wherever 
our young and devoted Christian dwelt, he 
erected an altar to the Lord. 

At the opening of the spring of 1833, there 
was a Sabbath school established at Fairview, 
which enlisted the feelings of the whole congre- 
gation : and was conducted with more spirit and 
success than perhaps any other institution of 
this kind, on this side of the Potomac, located 
in a country place. Of this Sabbath school 
Mr. Pearson was appointed superintendent. 
The influence of the prayers which he uttered, 
and the addresses which he delivered, abides yet 
on the hearts of almost all. 

As usual, he felt a deep concern for the spi- 
ritual welfare of the people of color. Having 
obtained the permission of the session of the 
Church, during the summer season, he frequently 
assembled them at the stand ; from which he 
delivered exhortations, which brought them in 
greater numbers to the house of God ; which 
taught them, in some degree, to reverence the 
Sabbath day, to respect their owners and them- 
selves. The influence which he exerted over 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 123 

them is still visible among them. In the affec- 
tionate remembrance of many, he still lives : 
and some, I trust, will yet ascribe their first im- 
pressions to his compassionate zeal. Before the 
close of the year, having obtained my consent, 
he returned to Spartanburgh, to gratify an aged 
grandmother, to pursue his studies in the bosom 
of his father's family, amidst retreats endeared 
to him by fellowship with God, — to watch over 
the spiritual interests of his father's colored 
people ; and, most of all, to be within reach of 
his dear little flock at Pacolet. The same course 
of study, with very little alteration, he continued 
at home, which he had commenced at Fairview. 
He still considered himself under my care, 
though we seldom met more frequently than 
twice a month, at the stated times when I 
preached at Nazareth. During the winter, his 
spirit was unusually devout. An affection of 
the head, which assumed some of the symptoms 
of one which at an early period had threatened 
his life, made him to feel more entirely his de- 
pendence on God, and the vanity of all human 
attainments and prospects. 

This indisposition turned his mind more en- 
tirely than ever to a foreign mission. As far 



124 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

as I know, this subject was not mentioned to 
more than one person until his recovery, when 
he ventured to intimate it to myself. He was 
bent on going to Columbia at the opening of 
spring (1884). His father had labored, to no 
purpose, to dissuade him. He still persisted, 
though the roads were extremely bad, and the 
season rainy and exceedingly unpleasant. While 
I was expostulating with him on the risk there 
would be in exposing his feeble health at that 
uncomfortable season, to show that he was not 
obstinate, he informed me that he believed that 
God was calling him to occupy some station 
among the heathen ; and that he wished to visit 
Columbia, to obtain information on that subject, 
before the meeting of Presbytery. 

I thought, by all means, he ought to decline 
going to Columbia at that period ; and advised 
him to obtain the information he needed by let- 
ter. He yielded to my counsel, and remained 
at home. 

Now he becomes more intensely devout than 
ever. His whole soul is fixed on the great work 
in which he expects soon to be employed. He 
has almost in readiness his closing trials, to be 
exhibited before Presbytery at its next meeting, 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



125 



and but two short weeks intervene. As the 
intervening time elapses, each day rinds him 
nearer heaven. Oh. how much grace does he 
now need! In his trembling heart he asks, 
" Who is sufficient for these things I" And no- 
thing could have induced him to advance a step 
further, had not his mighty Redeemer assured 
him "My grace is sufficient for thee; ; ' and 
" Lo ! I am with thee always. " ; 

The destined, interesting moment at length 
arrives. Having been now two years under the 
care of Presbytery — having passed through an 
examination on the sciences and ancient lan- 
guages, on theology and ecclesiastical history — 
having given several specimens of his capacity 
to expound the Scriptures, in exegeses, lectures, 
and sermons, the last of which was delivered in 
public; and having, above all, given testimo- 
nials of his good moral character, his experi- 
mental acquaintance with religion, and his 
being called of God to assume the sacred office, 
and all having met the hearty approval of 
Presbytery ; — the moderator rises from his sear: 
before him stands the pensive candidate, with a 
countenance, every feature of which told the 
responsibility of a herald of the cross. In 
it* 



126 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



answer to questions proposed by the moderator, 
he makes a public profession of his faith. The 
venerable moderator then, surrounded by his 
brethren in the ministry, the ruling elders, and 
several private members of the Church, spreads 
his hands abroad, and lifts his voice to heaven 
in behalf of our young brother, who is about 
to take part w r ith us in the proclamation of 
mercy to a dying world ; — " That the Lord may 
set him apart for himself — fully qualify him for 
his office — give him a mouth and a wisdom 
which the adversaries of truth cannot gainsay 
— make him a comfort to the Church, a blessing 
to the world ; in a word, make him ' faithful 
unto death, and then give him a crown of life.'" 
The heart of our serious candidate melts while 
it rises to heaven with the fervent importunity 
of the moderator, and to his deliberate and so- 
lemn Amen, it responds "Amen." 

With an air of majesty suited to his high rank 
as a minister of the Son of God, and with a com- 
passionate regard to the frailty of a young bro- 
ther, who was ready to sink under the weight 
of an office which an angel could scarcely sus- 
tain, the moderator gravely, distinctly, and 
affectionately uttered the consecrating address: 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



127 



" In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by 
that authority which he hath given to the Church 
for its edification, we do license you to preach 
the Gospel wherever God in his providence 
may call you: and for this purpose, may the 
blessing of God rest upon you, and the Spirit 
of Christ fill your heart. Amenl" 

" Now;' our young Christian says within him- 
self,"I am the Lord's forever." From that solemn 
period, he seemed to feel with unusual force 
that he was "not his own." 

He is immediately employed by Presbytery 
as a domestic missionary ; and the very next 
day he commences his labors.* 

The bounds of the Presbytery described the 
sphere of his labors. All our destitute Churches 
shared in his sympathies, and were refreshed by 
his visits. In the several districts included in 
this Presbytery, he " fully preached the Gospel 



* My brethren who are well acquainted with our ec- 
clesiastical affairs will readily excuse this minute detail, 
when they recollect, that this little volume wiil fall into 
the hands of many who are prejudiced against our method 
of preparing our candidates for the pulpit, merely because 
they do not fully understand it. Besides, I trust it may 
prove useful to candidates themselves. 



128 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

of Christ." Though he lived but five short 
months after his licensure, yet in that brief 
period he did " the work of an evangelist," and 
made full proof of his ministry. In his sermons 
he was at once doctrinal and practical. As in 
his life, so in his sermons, every doctrine led to 
practice. His manner was always solemn, 
affectionate, and persuasive ; sometimes pun- 
gent, powerful, irresistible. To eloquence he 
made no pretension ; but frequently rose above 
his aim, and surpassed the hopes of his friends. 
Simplicity characterized every thing he said or 
did. It appeared in his thoughts, in their ar- 
rangement, in his illustrations, in his language; 
in a word, in every thing. When, therefore, he 
was animated, his animation was natural ; when 
pathetic, his pathos was an effusion of nature. 
Pomp and display he avoided, as we would a 
pestilence. Affectation he abhorred, as we do 
hypocrisy. His manner was not, therefore^ 
imposing and commanding. While it gained 
attention, it left the heart unguarded, until taken 
by surprise. When eloquent, it was his heart 
that spoke ; and the hearts of his hearers moved 
or melted with his. The tones of the gentler 
passions he well understood. He never studied 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 129 

them; nature taught him. We would say that 
he was the child of nature, did not religion 
oblige us to rise one step higher, and say he 
was a child of grace. 

Hence, in his preaching, his subject was. more 
seen than himself — A. J. Pearson less visible 
than Christ. He preached, not himself, but 
Christ Jesus the Lord. 

To all the saints w r ho heard him, his dis- 
courses were peculiarly savory, truly a " savor 
of life unto life." Most of the commendation 
received from the ungodly was like that which 
his king bestowed on Massilon — " Whenever I 
hear you, I go away condemning myself." No 
wonder, therefore, that all the churches received 
him as a messenger of Christ. And it was not 
strange that every destitute church in our 
bounds wished to obtain a share in his stated 
labors. Nor was it astonishing that a vacant 
church, assembled to hear him preach, should 
dissolve into tears, when they heard that their 
beloved missionary was no more. 41 Such a 
weeping," said one of the elders present on that 
occasion, " I never saw before." 

It is an affecting fact, that his last sermon 
was delivered to his dear little flock at Pacolet, 



130 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

where the Lord had so signally blest his ex- 
hortations, before he was licensed to preach. 
That had been his Nebo, and there he had put 
off his robes. That Sabbath was the fourth 
Sabbath of August, (1834). On Monday he re- 
turned to his father's. His watchful mother 
thought she saw symptoms of unusual lassitude; 
but he uttered no complaint. On Tuesday his 
complexion was very sallow ; but there was no 
other indication of disease. At the close of day 
he met the family around their altar, which he 
himself had erected ; and there, with a devout 
heart and strong feelings, he performed his last 
public service. That night he was restless- 
slept none, but complained little. On Wednes- 
day he could no longer conceal his indisposi- 
tion, and a physician was called in. That 
morning he wrote with his pencil, under the 
influence of high fever, some verses, intimating 
that he anticipated his disease would bring the 
body down, but raise the spirit up— would give 
pain to his flesh, but comfort to his heart. 
About noon the doctor arrived, and promptly 
prescribed medicine, which was given forthwith, 
and operated well. At night was composed, 
and slept a little. On Thursday he was restless, 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



131 



but seemed not to suffer violent pain : at night 
his fever rose, and he became exceedingly 
thirsty. On Friday his fever continued, and it 
was thought necessary to administer more me- 
dicine. All that day he spoke little : appeared 
to be much engaged in prayer. Saturday morn- 
ing he was extremely feeble, but felt no pain. 
In the evening his fever rose in some degree, 
attended with a singular drowsiness: whenever 
nature yielded, and he fell asleep, he imme- 
diately awaked as one In the act of strangling, 
panting for breath. This unaccountable change 
gave the family the first alarm. Sabbath morn- 
ing he was tranquil ; spoke of his appointment 
for Saturday and that day ; said he would like to 
be at his work, for he loved it. His mother said, 
M Give yourself entirely to the Lord, for he 
knows what is best for you. 1 ' He closed his 
eyes, as if engaged in prayer, and answered 
only by expressive silence. About noon his 
extremities became cold, followed by cold per- 
spiration. About this time, he expressed an 
earnest desire to have an opportunity of hold- 
ing a private conversation with a friend, who 
had just left his room, who he feared might be 
led captive by Satan at his will. At the request 



132 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



of the family r Mr. D., a member of the Church 
of N., prayed for our dear brother, who was 
now regarded by all as near the hour of his dis- 
solution. During the time of prayer, Mr. Pear- 
son raised his head, supported it by his arm, 
and listened with unremitted attention. After 
this his strength declined apace, his pulse be- 
came irregular, his respiration quicker, and he 
felt the approach of death. After lying as if in 
fixed attention for a few minutes, starting a lit- 
tle, he said, " the Saviour is calling for his fol- 
lowers." His mother replied, " I hope you are 
one of them." He made no reply; but the 
calm which spread over his livid countenance 
seemed to say, " I trust I am." Looking up, 
with a hope that shed a lustre over his glassy 
eye, he exclaimed, " O blessed Judge !" With 
melting tenderness his father said, " Do you wish 
to be with him?" He replied, " Oh, yes !" His 
mother is near; his eye often turns to her; he 
seems to sympathize tenderly with her in her 
grief. She ventures to fix her moist eye on his 
pale face, and ask, " My son, are you willing to 
leave us all ?" Firmly and without hesitation 
he answered, " Yes." Her heart dissolved in. 
^enderness, and she strove to say, " Thy will be 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



133 



done.' 3 Still was his languid eye turned to her. 
At length he seemed to lose sight of weeping 
relatives and friends. His pale quivering lips 
still moved in prayer, two words of which he 
articulated aloud — " last nation." A mother's 
heart readily conceived the rest. She imagined, 
and no doubt correctly, that he was praying 
that Emanuel would extend his conquests until 
he would vanquish the " last nation." 

So frequently and so fervently did he pray 
for the conversion of the pagan world, that all 
his most intimate friends believe, that he died 
praying for the salvation of poor lost heathens. 
In the midst of his last prayer 3 his pulse stopped, 
his breathing ceased. There was no convulsive 
struggle ; no limb, no feature moved, when the 
unseen spirit bid adieu to earth. On the last 
day of August, (1834,) at five o'clock, on the 
Sabbath day, the day he so much loved, Anthony 
Jefferson Pearson rested from his labors : and 
his surviving friends, with one accord, were 
ready to exclaim, " Let my last end be like 
his." The next day, amidst a concourse, of 
afflicted relatives and friends, his body was 
conveyed to the silent tomb, and interred near 
the church where he was baptized. Not long 
12 



134 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

after, the Editor preached his funeral sermon 
from Rom. xiv. 7, 8 : " For none of us liveth 
to himself, and no man dieth to himself: for 
whether we live, we live unto the Lord ; and 
whether we die, we die unto the Lord : whether 
we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." 



CHAPTER X. 



Such was Anthony Jefferson Pearson. He 
lived beloved and died regretted by all. We 
may naturally be asked, Why was he so highly 
esteemed ? What peculiar attractions had he 
that gained the admiration and love of such 
multitudes ? 

His person, which was rather below the 
middle size, had nothing prepossessing or com- 
manding. Having all the reserve of a cloistered 
student, there was nothing attractive in his 
manners. In company he was generally silent, 
unless religion was the topic. He had no sallies 
of wit ; at least, he indulged in none. In a 
word, he had none of the colloquial graces; and 
this, in the estimation of his wisest friends, was 
his greatest defect. This defect he perceived 
and lamented, and made many an effort to cor- 
rect. As a speaker, he was aided by none of 
the graces of elocution. His gravity in the 
pulpit gained attention; and in the progress of 
his discourse, his increasing warmth fixed it ; 



136 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



but no adventitious aid did he derive from grace- 
ful gestures or a melodious voice. As to genius, 
he was rather above mediocrity. His under- 
standing was not rapid in its movements ; but, 
after deliberation, was judicious and clear. His 
memory, whether it related to words or things, 
was uncommonly retentive. His passions were 
so well regulated, that to those who never had 
been present while he was engaged in some re- 
ligious exercise, he appeared to have none. His 
fancy was sometimes lively, but never vivid and 
glowing. His style was plain, sometimes neat, 
sometimes nervous ; but never elegant. In fine, 
if we except a good mind, nature had done very 
little for him. In him grace was every thing. 
With as much emphasis as St. Paul, could he 
have said, " By the grace of God, I am what 
I am." 

In him the grace of God appeared — 
.1. In profound humility. This virtue he 
possessed in such a degree, that his deficiency 
in it was visible to no one but himself. While, 
in the estimation of his friends, he had no rea- 
son to pray as Henry Martin did, " Oh for a 
willingness to be despised !" in his own view, 
he was deeply humbled on account of his want 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



137 



of humility. He had verily no pretensions. He 
never desired or sought, but always dreaded 
and shunned applause. Hence that which he 
never sought always pursued him, and because 
he sought it not. 

In him the grace of God appeared — 

2. In constant and uninterrupted meekness. 
No provocation whatever kindled at any time 
in his cheeks the hectic glow of anger. He re- 
garded no man as an enemy. If any one as- 
sumed the attitude of a foe, it only brought him 
nearer to his heart. Prejudices he had none ; 
if he had, no one ever saw them but God. No- 
thing among his intimate friends grieved him 
so much as the slightest vestige of resentment. 
Almost every other foible he could overlook ; 
but that he always reproved. 

In him the grace of God appeared — 

3. In a candor that was truly Christian. He 
had no disguise. Never did he cherish in his 
heart one emotion towards any one, which lay 
concealed there. Never did he attempt to clothe 
any of his faults in the garb of virtue. All his 
foibles which might affect others he readily 
acknowledged; one case of this kind we have 
already recorded (page 46). We may now add 

12* 



133 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



another. Having, in conversation, mentioned 
to a particular friend some of his juvenile follies, 
without relating all the circumstances ; on re- 
flection it appeared to him that his statement 
was rather an apology for his youthful indis- 
cretions than an acknowledgement of them ; he 
therefore felt himself conscientiously bound to 
give his friend the whole narrative, attended 
with an humbling confession of his error. In 
this he closely followed him who did no sin, 
" neither was guile found in his mouth. 1 ' 1 
In him the grace of God appeared — 
4. In a diffusive benevolence. That benevo- 
lence first embraced the afflicted, whom he at- 
tempted to relieve by prayers, by tracts, by re- 
citing the promises of the God of all comfort. 
Next, his compassion extended to the poor; to 
them he was prompt to carry a Bible, or a tract, 
or any other relief that his purse or his heart 
could give. Then his sympathies gathered 
around the slave, who was without God and 
without hope in the world. Next, the levity 
and waywardness of children awakened his 
pity, and prompted him to stretch forth both 
hands to gather them, first into the Sabbath 
school, and afterwards into the fold of Christ. 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 139 

But the warm charities of his heart, could not 
be confined to one community ; they were 
bounded only by the limits of human woes. 
But amidst his yearning compassions, the de- 
graded Bacchanal and the disconsolate Pagan, 
lay nearest to his heart, Had he lived, no 
doubt his influence would have been felt on the 
other side of the globe. His expanded heart 
would never have been satisfied until it had * a 
nation for its congregation.' A missionary 
doubtless he would have been. He who died 
praying for the heathen would, had he lived, 
have done much more than pray. 

Again the grace of God appeared in him — 
5. In the compassionate allowance which he 
made for the failings of others. He never took 
up, nor did he ever give circulation to, an evil 
report. On every action which the public con- 
demned, he was ready to place the best con- 
struction, if any such it would bear. Calumny 
never proceeded from his lips, no.r could it in 
bis presence fall from the lips of others without 
a rebuke. If, on any occasion, he heard the 
character of others traduced without defending 
them, or rebuking the slanderer ; he afterwards 
bitterly condemned himself. Of all unjust cen- 



140 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



sure, that grieved him most which wantonly 
fell on the ministers of the sanctuary, or the 
members of the Church. Tatlers and slan- 
derers, however plausible, were in his judg- 
ment associated with serpents and alligators, 
panthers and wolves. Being thus so far re- 
moved from the regions of slander ; no one had 
ever occasion, by way of retaliation, to slander 
him. 

In him the grace of God appeared — 
6. In a spirit truly Catholic. Among the 
various denominations of Christians, he was 
tenderly attached to the followers of Christ 
w r herever he found them. If they bore the image 
and breathed the spirit of Christ, with him they 
needed no other recommendation. In remarks 
made respecting the professors of religion in 
other churches, he never took a part ; but uni- 
formly checked them, by expressive silence, a 
gentle frown, or a mild rebuke. A similar 
course he constantly pursued with regard to 
observations made about ministers who wanted 
the advantages of education. He maintained, 
that it was utterly inconsistent with the sanctity 
of the Sabbath or of the house of God, to sit as 
critics; where we should rather go to learn 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



141 



and correct our own faults. For the spiritual 
welfare of all the churches, he fervently prayed. 
When religion flourished, and the word of the 
Lord had free course and was glorified among 
them; he rejoiced in their joy. When among 
them religion languished, dissensions arose, 
professions stumbled; he received the news 
with a dejected countenance and an afflicted 
heart. The cause of Christ every where was 
his own. His best interests were identified 
with those of the Church. So true is it that 
they who have the most religion have the most 
charity. And they hav the least sectarian 
spirit, who are nearest heaven; for there is none 
of it there. 

In him the grace of God appeared — 
7th. In an enlightened, vigorous, unwearied 
zeal, the object of which was the glory of 
Christ and the enlargement of the Church. 
In the midst of the most diligent prosecution 
of his studies, he had leisure every day to de- 
vise, or mature, or in part execute, some plan 
of usefulness. At one time he is occupied with 
the best method of conducting Sabbath schools, 
and devises a plan for the most profitable ma- 
nagement and distribution of the library, so as 



142 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

at once to awaken the curiosity and excite the 
emulation of the pupils. At another time he 
digests the scheme of a tract society, in which 
he united economy with a more thorough and 
extensive distribution. Again he is employed 
in forming and maturing a system of benevolent 
exertion for the South, combining several ob- 
jects, domestic and foreign, so as to meet the 
partialities and shun the prejudices of those 
who might unite in its support. At one time, 
his heart is fixed on the amelioration of the 
condition of the colored people of the South; 
and often did he pause to ask : What can be 
done % What at least should I do ? To the last 
question he answered by his practice : for out 
of the word of God he taught them publicly 
and from house to house. At another time 
he forms and aids in conducting a prayer meet- 
ing for youth ; and in it offers up many a fer- 
vent prayer, and delivers many a persuasive 
address. 

His zeal was not like the lightning, irregular 
in its appearance and movements ; nor like the 
meteor, that blazes suddenly and as suddenly 
expires : but rather, like the dim crescent of 
the new moon, that advances night after night, 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. I43 

until, full orbed, " the planets are lost in her 
blaze." The zeal of our Southern Christian 
like the sun, brightened as it rose ; but unlike 
the sun, it set at noon. 

In him the grace of God appeared — 
8th. In a noble independence of spirit. 
The spirit of the world, public sentiment 
when incorrect, the erring 'laws of honor' had 
no influence over him. His course was pre- 
scribed by his Bible ; the will of God was his 
paramount authority. A judicious understand- 
ing, a discriminating conscience, a sterling in- 
tegrity, were his counsellors and guides. When 
he needed counsel, he sought it among the 
most pious, in his Bible and in Heaven; but 
elsewhere he sought it not. His independent 
spirit appears, in the firmness and promptness 
with which he opposed vice, fashionable or un- 
fashionable, whatever shape it might assume. 
It also shone In his regular and constant ad- 
herence to Christ crucified, every where and at 
all times. But most of all was it conspicuous 
in his high resolve, to dedicate himself to God 
in a Foreign Mission. Here like Abdiel in the 
revolt of heaven, 4 he stood alone.' His fathers 
in the ministry, thought that the destitute 



144 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



places of our Southern Zion, had the first claim 
to his services ; so thought, in their very hearts, 
the destitute churches. So thought the editor, 
who once imagined that he could exert an in- 
fluence over our young Christian, as great as 
any other man. All his relatives, and they 
were numerous, and almost all his friends, 
stood opposed to the accomplishment of his 
design. The warm affections of a father, a 
mother, a grandmother, and a sister, seized him 
with violence, to detain him at home. But all, 
all could not shake his purpose. The editor 
remembers well, and with deep regret too, his 
effort .to move his purpose, because he knew 
not then how deeply it was fixed. His opi- 
nion, which heretofore was treated with great 
respect by our Southern Christian, had in this 
case little more influence, than the wave of 
ocean that dashes and breaks against the fast 
anchored rock. The attempt he did not-^-he 
could not renew ; hi3 heart told him, that the 
steadfast purpose of our hero was of the Lord. 
In him the grace of God appeared — 
9th. In a spirit remarkably devout It was 
his custom, for many months previous to the 
close of his life, to retire regularly three times 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN 



145 



a day, for private devotion. On Sabbath day, 
when he returned from the house of God, as 
well as before he went thither, he claimed an 
hour for retirement: before he went to the 
church, he earnestly sought the blessing of 
Heaven for the minister and the services of the 
sanctuary : after he returned home, having re- 
viewed and applied to himself what he heard, he 
importunately prayed that it might abide and 
live in his heart, and in other hearts. With 
regard to a devout temper, every day was a 
Sabbath to him ; for his time was all sacred 
time, all the Lord's time; but on the Sabbath 
day a deeper shade of solemnity seemed to 
overspread his countenance. During the week 
he seemed to have little intercourse with earth : 
on the Sabbath, none at all. Through the week 
he appeared to be a stranger and a sojourner ; 
on the Sabbath he seemed to be at home in the 
city of our God. 

Being accustomed to have fellowship with 
God in his private devotions, he prayed in pub- 
lic as one who was not addressing a stranger, 
but a well known and well tried friend. His 
supplications were most obviously addressed, 
not to a God afar off, but to a God near at hand. 
13 



146 SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 

Having had communion with God three times 
a day, he was truly in the fear of the Lord all 
the day long. I never knew a man who had a 
better right to say with the Psalmist, " I have 
set the Lord always before me; because he is 
on my right hand, I shall not be moved." All 
who knew him thoroughly will no doubt con- 
cur with the Editor when he says, " I never saw 
him in a frame of mind unsuitable to devotion, 
nor in a state of heart that would not w r ell cor- 
respond with the death-bed of a saint." 

Finally, in him the grace of God appeared — 
10. In an habitual cheerfulness, an unclouded 
serenity. To the profligate, the vicious, or the 
mere formalist, the life of our Southern Chris- 
tian would seem a course of self-denial, mortifi- 
cation, and gloom. Worldly pleasures, sinful 
gratifications, he had indeed abandoned ; but in 
forsaking them he had risen to a higher sphere 
of enjoyment. In him was it most clearly proved, 
that <6 the fruit of righteousness is peace, and 
the effect of righteousness quietness and as- 
surance forever." Why did he delight so much 
in the hours of retirement % Why did he take 
so much pleasure in going to the house of God? 
Because he could say in truth, " I will go to the 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



147 



altar of God ; to God my exceeding joy." 
Whence arose that perpetual peace which he 
seemed to enjoy % "O Lord, thou wilt keep 
him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on 
thee, because he trusteth in thee." His peace 
verily flowed like a river, deepening and widen- 
ing as it approached the ocean. He had his 
heaven here, rising and increasing in felicity as 
it ascended to the heaven of heavens. Down 
to his last hour, the adage of the wise man was 
fully verified in him: " Wisdom's ways are 
ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are 
peace." Where then will we find on earth the 
happy man ? Let an ancient sage answer : 
" No one ought to be pronounced happy before 
his death." Rather let our Pearson's life an- 
swer : " Mark the perfect man, and behold the 
upright; for the end of that man is peace." 



The letter from which the following extract 
is made, was received from my worthy brother, 
the Rev. J. G. Landrum, of the Baptist Church, 
after this little volume was completed. As it 
strongly confirms what has been already said 



148 SOUTHERN C H R I S T I A N . 



of the catholic spirit and heavenly temper of 
our Southern Christian, it is most cheerfully 
subjoined. 

" Mount Zion, June 27, 1835. 

"Anthony Jefferson Pearson." 

" I became intimately acquainted with the 
Rev. J. Kennedy, now of Pendleton, S. C, in 
the year 1831, with whom I spent some delight- 
ful hours in conversation. He often asked me 
if I ever had become acquainted with A. J. 
Pearson, remarking, at the same time, ' he is an 
interesting young man ; upon an acquaintance, 
you would be highly pleased with him.' Mr. 
Kennedy always spoke in the most exalted 
terms of him. He admired him for his piety, 
evenness of temper, and prospects for future 
usefulness. All others whom I hear mention 
him, spoke in the most exalted terms of him, 
and gave me a strong prepossession in his 
favor. 

" Sometime in the year 1832, I enjoyed the 
long anticipated pleasure of being introduced 
to the young brother of whom I had heard so 
many interesting facts ; and upon an intimate 
acquaintance, which was soon formed, I indeed 



SOUTHERN 



CHRISTIAN, 



149 



found him an interesting young man; intelli- 
gent, agreeable, and pious ; a true lover of the 
Lord Jesus Christ, and all his genuine fol- 
lowers. 

"Sometime in the same year, the Presbyte- 
rian Church at North Pacolet solicited his la- 
bors. Not being yet licensed to preach, he 
attended and delivered lectures on the catechism; 
in doing which he always used to pass the place 
of the writer's residence, so that he saw him 
frequently, and was always anxious that he 
should call, which he seldom failed to do. By 
these interviews our acquaintance was increased, 
and I can truly add, the more I associated with 
Jefferson Pearson, the more I became attached 
to him. The first time I ever heard him speak 
in public was shortly after he had commenced 
his lectures at North Pacolet ; when he delivered 
an impressive exhortation, after a sermon had 
been preached from John, ix. 28, 4 The Master 
is come, and calleth for thee.' In his exhorta- 
tion he feelingly urged sinners to comply with 
the calls of God, by repentance and faith, warn- 
ing them of the bad consequences of resisting 
the Holy Spirit, &c. Though frequently with 

him, I do not remember to have heard him 

13* 



150 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



again until he was licensed to preach ; after 
which he made an appointment to preach at his 
father's residence on a certain evening. Being 
very anxious to hear him, 1 attended his ap- 
pointment. He gave an excellent sermon in- 
deed from the following text : ' Come unto me, 
all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I 
will give you rest' Matt. ix. 28. His division 
of the subject rendered it plain and easy, his 
illustrations were simple and readily under- 
stood, his language chaste and perspicuous, 
his sentences beautiful and sublime, and his ap- 
plications forcible and impressive: in a word, 
his performance was as I anticipated ; for I had 
often remarked, when speaking of him, that his 
devotedness to his studies, his most excellent 
piety, together with his good natural talents, 
and fine opportunities to improve them, would 
certainly render him an illustrious minister of 
the Lord Jesus. After hearing the above- 
named sermon, I heard some persons express 
themselves fearful that his manner of address 
was not sufficiently animated: and, indeed, I 
had some fears myself on that account; but on 
hearing him again, my fears were entirely re- 
moved. On a certain evening, which I shall 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN 



151 



never forget, (it being the last time my lot was 
cast with this worthy disciple of Jesus,) I had an 
appointment to preach : Jefferson Pearson made 
it convenient to meet me, (he being then a do- 
mestic missionary,) and cheerfully took a part 
in the services of the evening, and exhorted 
after sermon with great warmth. He proposed 
in his exhortation to offer some of the high in- 
ducements calculated to influence sinners to 
seek an interest in Christ: in doing which, he 
spoke of the torments of hell which they might 
escape, and the glories of heaven which they 
might gain. In this exhortation, he set forth 
the horrors of the damned in torment in most 
awful colors. What a description ! I thought 
surely there was not a sinner in the house that 
could avoid trembling, in view of such an awful 
catastrophe as was so eminently and awfully 
set before him. And on the other hand, the 
grandeur, the glory, and the endless felicity of 
heaven, he pourtrayed in the most eloquent and 
enticing manner. It seemed as if he, while in 
this strain of imagination, did not only 'see in 
part,' but that the veil was removed from be- 
fore his eyes, and that all the glories of the 



152 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 



heavenly region had burst into his mind with 
so much force and beauty, that one might almost 
have been lead to conclude that 6 he had been 
caught up to the third heavens.' In this memo- 
rable exhortation were contrasted the depths of 
hell and the heights of heaven. In treating of 
them alternately, the attentive listener's mind 
was caught by the most sudden transitions from 
the lowest and most wretched degree of misery 
to the most exalted and heavenly summits of 
bliss; and then, in a thought, from the highest 
realms in glory down to the very bottomless pit. 

" In the closing remarks he seemed, as it 
were, to hold out to the sinner destruction in 
the one hand and salvation in the other, and in 
the most powerful and pungent manner bade 
him make his choice. 

"In a few days the Lord\called this child of 
heaven home to the full enjoyment of those 
pleasures on which he dwelt so very delight- 
fully. This last discourse of A. J. Pearson had 
a captivating influence on my feelings ; and so 
shortly after hearing of his departure, it became 
indelibly instamped. It will, I doubt not, be re- 
membered by me in eternity. 



SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN. 153 

" Finally, when I am brought to view the 
many interesting traits exhibited in his charac- 
ter, I frankly confess that I have known but 
few, if any, of equal worth. If he had a single 
fault, my partiality towards him never suffered 
me to behold it. 

"Jno. G. Landrum," 




t 



\ 




o- 



*k % 



So, 



92, *y 



G 01 







93. "*■' 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: May 2006 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 
1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 



0^ V Y *.<>/ V: 



0" , 



^0* 



\> If* a ^ 



•o- 







V 



#1 



rQ 



<3 A. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




017 579 428 1 f 



